…Cites legal orders
…Ibadan Convention results in limbo, as PDP seeks court intervention
The leadership crisis within the Peoples Democratic Party deepened on Monday after the Independent National Electoral Commission formally declined to recognise the Kabiru Turaki-led National Working Committee, pointing to ongoing legal battles and binding court judgments that that bar such action.
The commission made its position known in a letter dated 22 December 2025 and signed by its Secretary, Dr Rose Oriaran-Anthony. It explained that multiple representations from lawyers acting for the PDP, pressing for formal recognition and updates to the commission’s website to reflect national officers said to have emerged from the party’s National Convention held in Ibadan on 15 and 16 November 2025, could not be approved.
According to INEC, these requests were scrutinised carefully “in light of all material facts, extant laws, and subsisting court judgments touching directly on the matter,” a review that led the commission to maintain its refusal.
The electoral body drew attention to two rulings of the Federal High Court in Abuja. These include Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/2120/2025, delivered on 31 October, and Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/2299/2025, delivered on 14 November. INEC stated that both judgments expressly restrained it from supervising, monitoring, recognising, or giving effect to the outcome of the PDP National Convention until full compliance with the relevant court directives.
“Both judgments, which are final and binding, expressly restrained the Commission from recognising or acting on the outcome of the PDP National Convention,” the letter stated.
The commission further clarified that the filing of appeals against the judgments does not, by itself, halt their enforcement, stressing that the law demands strict adherence to court orders unless and until they are set aside or varied by a competent court.
INEC also addressed references made to interim orders from the Oyo State High Court, explaining that the commission had been struck out of that suit for want of jurisdiction. It added that such interim orders cannot supersede final decisions handed down by courts of coordinate or superior jurisdiction.
In addition, the commission noted that another suit instituted by the PDP remains pending before the Federal High Court in Ibadan. In that case, the party is seeking an order compelling INEC to recognise the National Working Committee and members of the National Executive Committee purportedly elected at the Ibadan convention.
“In view of these pending cases, your request is prejudicial and cannot be granted until appeals are determined,” INEC said.
The commission recalled that this stance had already been conveyed to PDP leaders during a meeting held at INEC headquarters on 19 December 2025, where the commission restated its adherence to due process and deference to judicial authority.
INEC concluded by assuring the public and relevant stakeholders that it would continue to discharge its responsibilities strictly within the bounds of the Constitution and the rule of law.
