The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has outlined its course of action following a crucial meeting with Nigeria's electoral umpire, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), concerning the party's unresolved leadership dispute.
INEC Meeting: A Platform for Dialogue
INEC had summoned the Kabiru Turaki-led National Working Committee (NWC) and other factions claiming leadership positions within the PDP to its headquarters in Abuja. The meeting, held on 19 December 2025, was convened to allow all sides to present their positions on the prolonged internal crisis.
Presided over by the INEC Chairman, Professor Joash Amupitan SAN, the session provided a forum for exhaustive discussions. All contending parties confirmed that the core issue of the leadership tussle is currently pending before the Court of Appeal.
At the conclusion of the engagement, INEC stated that the meeting's purpose was primarily to hear from the involved parties. The commission emphasized its awareness of the ongoing legal proceedings and declared it would await the final judgment of the Court of Appeal before taking any definitive stance on recognizing any leadership.
PDP's Stance: Respect for the Judiciary
In a statement released after the meeting and signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Ini Ememobong, the PDP reinforced its commitment to the judicial process. The party affirmed that the court remains the final arbiter in the dispute and pledged to respect whatever decision is ultimately delivered.
Speaking on behalf of the current leadership, National Chairman Kabiru Turaki (SAN) stated that the PDP would continue to function in its constitutional role while abiding by the judicial process. Turaki maintained that the leadership he heads emerged from what he described as a valid national convention, though its legitimacy is being contested in court.
Turaki stressed that the PDP would not abdicate its responsibilities as Nigeria's main opposition party during this period. He announced that the party would continue to hold the government accountable on critical national issues, including security, infrastructure, education, and healthcare.
The Path Forward: Awaiting the Court's Verdict
The resolution of this crisis now hinges on the impending decision from the appellate court. The Turaki-led NWC has stated it will continue to function as the party's leadership until a final judicial pronouncement is made.
This development underscores the critical role of Nigeria's judiciary in mediating complex political disputes and ensuring party internal affairs adhere to constitutional and legal frameworks. The outcome will significantly impact the PDP's structure and strategy as the nation's primary opposition force.
