The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has made a definitive ruling concerning the internal leadership crisis rocking the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). The electoral body has officially rejected the request for recognition of a faction of the party's National Working Committee (NWC) led by Kabiru Turaki.
Court Judgments Form Basis of INEC's Decision
In a significant move, INEC stated that its decision to dismiss the faction's quest for legitimacy was firmly rooted in multiple existing court judgments related to the party's internal affairs. This legal stance effectively sidelines the group, which has been publicly championed by Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State and his counterpart, Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State. The commission's action underscores its commitment to adhering strictly to judicial pronouncements in regulating political party disputes.
The Ibadan Convention and Factional Emergence
The controversy stems from a national convention held by the PDP in November 2025 in Ibadan, the capital of Oyo State. This gathering, which enjoyed the backing of Governors Makinde and Mohammed, resulted in the emergence of the Kabiru Turaki-led National Working Committee. The convention was a bold move by the governors to establish a parallel leadership structure within the opposition party, challenging the existing order.
By refusing to recognise the outcomes of the Ibadan convention, INEC has effectively invalidated the faction's claim to authority within the PDP. This decision has immediate implications for the party's structure and its preparations for future electoral contests, as only INEC-recognised leadership can legally undertake certain party activities.
Political Ramifications and Next Steps
This ruling by INEC is a major setback for Governors Seyi Makinde and Bala Mohammed, who had invested significant political capital in supporting the Turaki faction. It consolidates the position of the other mainstream factions within the PDP and is likely to influence the ongoing power dynamics and reconciliation efforts within the party.
The development highlights the increasingly pivotal role of the judiciary and constitutional bodies like INEC in mediating deep-seated political conflicts in Nigeria. For the PDP, the path forward now necessitates a return to the drawing board for those behind the Ibadan convention, as they must either seek legal redress or align with the INEC-recognised party structures to remain relevant in the nation's political process.
