The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has refused to recognise the Kabiru Turaki-led National Working Committee (NWC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), citing existing court judgments and unresolved legal proceedings.
The commission made its position known in a letter dated December 22, 2025, signed by its Secretary, Dr Rose Oriaran-Anthony.
INEC explained that it received multiple requests from PDP lawyers asking it to recognise and update on its 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 electoral body, the requests were carefully examined against relevant laws, available facts, and binding court decisions.
“The Commission reviewed the requests in the light of all material facts, extant laws and subsisting court judgments touching directly on the subject matter,” the letter stated.
INEC referenced two judgments of the Federal High Court 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.
It noted that both judgments expressly barred the commission from supervising, recognising, or giving effect to the outcome of the PDP national convention.
“Both judgments, which are final in nature and binding on all parties, expressly restrained the Commission from supervising, monitoring, recognising, or in any manner whatsoever giving effect to the outcome of the PDP National Convention held on 15th–16th November, 2025,” INEC said.
The commission acknowledged that appeals had been filed against the judgments but stressed that, under Nigerian law, the filing of an appeal does not amount to a stay of execution.
“Until the judgments are set aside or stayed by a competent court, the Commission remains bound to obey and give full effect to them in line with Section 287(3) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended),” the letter added.
INEC also addressed claims relating to interim orders from the Oyo State High Court, clarifying that it had been struck out of the suit for lack of jurisdiction. It further stated that interim orders cannot override subsisting final judgments of courts of equal or superior jurisdiction.
The commission disclosed that another suit instituted by the PDP is currently pending before the Federal High Court in Ibadan, where the party is seeking an order compelling INEC to recognise the NWC and National Executive Committee members said to have emerged from the Ibadan convention.
“In light of the pending suits, your request is prejudicial and cannot be acceded to until the determination of the pending appeals,” INEC stated.
Reiterating its stance, the commission said, “In obedience to the rule of law and subsisting court orders, the Commission is unable to recognise or update the list of the National Officers said to have emerged from the PDP National Convention of 15th–16th November, 2025.”
INEC added that the same position was conveyed to PDP leaders during a meeting at its headquarters on December 19, 2025, affirming its commitment to due process and respect for judicial authority.
The commission assured stakeholders that it would continue to act strictly within the provisions of the Constitution and the rule of law.
