INEC rejects Makinde-backed PDP Turaki faction over court legal standoff
PDP
Abdullateef Fowewe
Nigeria Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has firmly rejected demands from a faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) backed by Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, citing ongoing court judgments and unresolved litigation that tie its hands.
In a strongly worded letter dated December 22, 2025, and signed by INEC Secretary Dr Rose Oriaran-Anthony, the electoral body dismissed requests to recognise or upload the list of national officers purportedly elected at a PDP National Convention on November 15 and 16, 2025, in Ibadan, Oyo State.
The decision underscores the deepening leadership crisis within Nigeria’s main opposition party, where rival factions continue to battle for control.
The letter explicitly states, “INEC said it could not act on demands to acknowledge or upload on its website the list of national officers said to have been elected at the National Convention held on November 15 and 16, 2025, in Ibadan.”
It further clarifies that “the commission explained that its position was guided by subsisting court decisions and pending litigation relating to the leadership crisis within the PDP.”
This development follows months of infighting in the PDP, pitting the acting National Chairman Iliya Damagum against the Turaki faction, led by Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed and supported by Makinde.
The Ibadan convention, boycotted by Damagum’s group, elected figures like Senator Samuel Anyanwu as National Secretary, but INEC’s refusal deals a significant blow to their legitimacy claims.
The PDP crisis risks escalating ahead of the 2027 elections, with Damagum’s faction maintaining control of party structures while the Turaki group vows to challenge INEC’s position in court.
