Pressure mounts on INEC to recognise Turaki-led PDP NWC

The Conference of Professionals in the Peoples Democratic Party (CP-PDP) has urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to immediately recognise the Kabiru Turaki-led National Working Committee (NWC), following a ruling by the Oyo State High Court validating the party’s 2025 National Convention.

The group said the court’s judgment should resolve lingering leadership disputes within the PDP and compel all relevant institutions to comply without delay, stressing that the ruling is binding.

In a statement by Obinna Nwachukwu, CP-PDP described the judgment delivered by Justice Ladiran Akintola as a major victory for justice and party democracy.

The group highlighted the declaratory order of the court regarding the November 2025 convention, stating: “It is imperative to draw the attention of Nigerians and all political stakeholders to the declaratory order of the judgment. The court ruled that the November 15th and 16th, 2025 National Convention of the PDP was legal and valid. Consequently, the outcome is binding and must be given effect by INEC and all other authorities or persons duty-bound to relate with the PDP.

“We assert that these authorities, as pronounced by the court, include the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services (DSS), other security agencies, the media, election observers, and other democratic institutions in the country.

“In light of the foregoing, we demand that INEC respects this express and unambiguous pronouncement of the court. INEC should immediately give effect to the outcome of the 2025 National Convention by recognising the Turaki-led NWC as the legitimately elected leadership of the party.

“Furthermore, INEC should henceforth accord all recognition and limit official correspondence to the Turaki-led NWC on all matters regarding the PDP.

“Additionally, we call on the Police, following this judgment, to unseal the National Secretariats of the PDP in Abuja (Wadata Plaza and Legacy House). The Police must allow the Turaki-led NWC access to the complex to perform its legitimate duty of running the affairs of the party, while also ensuring the NWC is provided with adequate security guaranteed by the 1999 Constitution.

“We commend the judiciary for its courage in upholding the National Convention in line with the rule of law and the principle of the supremacy of a political party over its internal affairs, as already established by the Supreme Court.”