The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has officially declined to recognise the Kabiru Turaki-led National Working Committee (NWC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), citing existing court judgments and unresolved legal proceedings.
INEC made its position known in a letter dated December 22, 2025, signed by its Secretary, Dr Rose Oriaran-Anthony. The letter followed multiple requests from PDP lawyers urging the commission to recognise and upload on its website the list of national officers allegedly elected at the party’s National Convention held on November 15–16, 2025, in Ibadan, Oyo State.
According to INEC, the requests were carefully examined in line with relevant laws, material facts, and subsisting court judgments directly affecting the matter.
Court Judgments Bar INEC’s Recognition
The electoral body drew attention to two judgments of the Federal High Court, 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 stated that both judgments expressly restrained it from supervising, monitoring, recognising, or giving effect to the outcome of the PDP National Convention or any similar exercise, pending full compliance with court directives.
The commission emphasised that the judgments are final and binding, noting that although notices of appeal have been filed, an appeal does not operate as a stay of execution under Nigerian law.
Interim Orders Cannot Override Final Judgments
INEC also addressed references to interim orders issued by the Oyo State High Court, clarifying that the commission had been struck out of that suit due to lack of jurisdiction. It further stated that interim orders cannot override or nullify subsisting final judgments of courts of coordinate or superior jurisdiction.
Additionally, the commission disclosed that another suit filed 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 members of the National Executive Committee allegedly elected at the Ibadan convention.
INEC Reaffirms Commitment to Rule of Law
“In light of the pending suits, your request is prejudicial and cannot be acceded to until the determination of the appeals,” INEC stated.
The commission stressed that until the judgments are set aside or stayed by a competent court, it remains bound by Section 287(3) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) to obey and enforce court orders.
INEC added that this position was clearly communicated to the PDP leadership during a meeting held at its headquarters on December 19, 2025, reaffirming its commitment to due process and judicial authority.
The commission assured stakeholders that it would continue to act strictly within the confines of the Constitution and the rule of law.
