440
By Myke Agunwa
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has rejected claims of factionalism by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), insisting that its National Working Committee (NWC) led by National Chairman Tanimu Turaki (SAN) remains the sole legitimate leadership of the party.
In a statement issued on Tuesday by its National Publicity Secretary Comrade Ini Ememobong, the PDP dismissed INEC’s recent letter refusing to recognise or upload details of officers elected at the controversial Ibadan national convention, attributing the umpire’s stance to “monumental pressure” and “consistent bias.”
“There is no faction in the PDP in law and fact,” the statement declared, noting that judgments of the Federal High Court cited by INEC have been appealed with applications for stay of execution already filed. “Very soon the Court of Appeal will hear and give judgment in the matters.”
The party accused INEC of suppressing key facts in court, including its monitoring of NEC meetings that unanimously approved the convention and receipt of formal notice. It further pointed out that INEC monitored the party’s governorship primaries in Ekiti and Osun conducted under the Turaki-led NWC.
While acknowledging INEC’s claim of neutrality pending court resolution, the PDP reminded the Commission of the Supreme Court’s recent ruling in the SDP case barring interference in political parties’ internal affairs. “Democracy is hinged on majority rule, so the committee of friends of Wike and Anyanwu cannot be validly referred to as a faction,” the party stressed.
Ememobong highlighted overwhelming endorsements of Turaki’s leadership in the past month by the Board of Trustees, Governors’ Forum, state chairmen, parliamentary caucuses, former governors and ministers, and other stakeholders.
The PDP criticised INEC Chairman Prof. Joash Amupitan (SAN) for convening a “contrived” meeting last Friday despite ongoing litigation, accusing the Commission of deliberately creating a false perception of division to justify its refusal to recognise the Turaki NWC.
“We remind INEC that their constitutional responsibility is primarily to Nigerians and the defence of democracy,” the party stated, urging members to “remain calm and resolute” as it repositions for electoral success.