Breaking: INEC Withholds Recognition of Turaki Faction as PDP Leadership Crisis Worsens
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has declined to acknowledge the Kabiru Turaki-led National Working Committee (NWC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), citing unresolved court cases and subsisting judicial pronouncements on the party’s leadership tussle.
Sources told Lagos Reporters that the decision was communicated in a letter dated December 22, 2025, signed by INEC Secretary, Dr. Rose Oriaran-Anthony.
According to the commission, it cannot recognise or upload on its official website the list of national officers reportedly elected at the PDP National Convention held in Ibadan, Oyo State, between November 15 and 16, 2025.
INEC explained that its refusal is anchored on existing court judgments and ongoing litigation relating to the party’s internal leadership dispute. The electoral body maintained that it would be improper to recognise any faction while legal proceedings on the matter are still pending.
The commission further cautioned that taking such action could amount to prejudging the outcome of the cases before the courts and would run contrary to the principles of the rule of law.
A portion of the letter stated: “In view of the pending suits, the request cannot be entertained until the determination of the appeals currently before the courts.
“Accordingly, and in compliance with subsisting court orders and the rule of law, the commission is unable to recognise or update the list of national officers claimed to have emerged from the PDP National Convention of 15th–16th November, 2025.”
The development has added another layer to the deepening crisis within the PDP, as the opposition party continues to be engulfed by internal rifts and protracted legal battles over its national leadership.