INEC Rejects Recognition of Turaki-Led PDP NWC, Cites Court Judgments and Pending Appeals
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has declined to accord official recognition to the Kabiru Turaki-led National Working Committee of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), citing unresolved legal battles and existing court judgments restraining such action.
PulseNets learnt that the position of the electoral umpire was formally conveyed in a letter dated December 22, 2025, signed by the commission’s Secretary, Rose Oriaran-Anthony.
INEC disclosed that it had received multiple correspondences from lawyers representing the PDP, urging the commission to recognise and upload on its official website the list of national officers purportedly elected at the party’s national convention held on November 15 and 16, 2025, in Ibadan, Oyo State.
According to the commission, all the requests were carefully examined against “relevant facts, applicable laws, and subsisting court decisions that directly affect the matter,” PulseNets was told.
The commission referenced two judgments of the Federal High Court sitting in Abuja — Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/2120/2025, delivered on October 31, 2025, and Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/2299/2025, delivered on November 14, 2025.
INEC reported that both judgments categorically barred the commission from supervising, monitoring, recognising, or giving effect to the outcome of the PDP National Convention conducted on November 15–16, 2025, or any related exercise, pending strict compliance with court directives.
“These judgments, which are final and binding on all parties, expressly restrained the Commission from supervising, monitoring, recognising, or in any way giving effect to the outcome of the PDP National Convention,” INEC stated.
The commission further noted that while notices of appeal have been filed against the judgments, established legal principles are clear that an appeal does not automatically suspend the enforcement of a valid court decision.
“Until such judgments are set aside or stayed by a competent court, the Commission is constitutionally bound to obey and give full effect to them in line with Section 287(3) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended),” the letter obtained by PulseNets read.
INEC also addressed claims relating to interim orders reportedly issued by the Oyo State High Court. It clarified that the commission had been struck out of that suit due to lack of jurisdiction, adding that interim orders cannot override or invalidate subsisting final judgments delivered by courts of coordinate or superior authority.
PulseNets gathered that the commission further revealed the existence of another suit instituted by the PDP 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 said to have emerged from the Ibadan convention.
“In view of the pending suits, your request is prejudicial and cannot be granted until the appeals are fully determined,” the commission said.
“Accordingly, and in strict obedience to the rule of law and subsisting court orders, the Commission is unable to recognise or update the list of National Officers purportedly elected at the PDP National Convention of 15th–16th November, 2025,” INEC added.
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The electoral body also disclosed that its position had earlier been clearly communicated to the PDP leadership during a meeting held at the commission’s headquarters on Friday, December 19, 2025, where INEC reaffirmed its commitment to due process and respect for judicial authority.
