*Accuses INEC of bias, hypocrisy
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has rejected claims of factionalism from 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 on Tuesday by its National Publicity Secretary, Comrade Ini Ememobong, the party dismissed INEC’s recent letter refusing to recognise or upload details of officers elected at its 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,” it noted in the statement, stressing 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 stated.
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 performed it’s statutory duties by monitoring the party’s governorship primaries in Ekiti and Osun States 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 stated.
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, stating that those are not a company of two or three persons following Wike and Anyanwu.
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.
