..INEC promises to carefully consider all submissions- Turaki
By Mercy Peter
The factional leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Friday met with officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Abuja as part of efforts to address lingering internal disputes and ensure the party’s stability ahead of forthcoming elections.
Both leaders appreciated INEC intervention.
The faction loyal to the Minister of Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike described the meeting as constructive and part of the wider efforts to address the challenges in the party.
On the other hand, the faction loyal to PDP governors said INEC took note of submissions made by both sides and promised to consider them.
Speaking after the meeting, Samuel Anyanwu, the former National Secretary of the PDP, said the engagement was part of a broader process to restore order following legal and organisational challenges within the party.
He explained the current circumstances of the party, saying that the lifespan of the party’s former National Working Committee expired on December 9, 2009, and that subsequent developments, including court rulings, necessitated the intervention of the party’s statutory organs.
According to Anyanwu, the National Executive Committee (NEC) and the Board of Trustees appointed a Caretaker Committee, chaired by Honourable Abraham Emad, to stabilise the party and oversee critical processes.
Anyanwu disclosed that he serves as the secretary of the committee, alongside other members drawn from across the party.
He noted that the committee was constituted following a court judgment which nullified the convention reportedly held in Oyo State, insisting that no valid convention took place.
“It was based on the court’s judgment that the NEC, in its wisdom, appointed the Caretaker Committee to put things together, conduct all necessary conferences, and prepare for an all-inclusive and credible national convention,” he said.
Anyanwu added that preparations were already underway to reconcile aggrieved members and reposition the party.
He described the meeting with INEC officials as constructive, saying the commission demonstrated a genuine desire for the PDP to remain a strong opposition force in Nigeria.
“We have a leadership that is blessed with wisdom. The way the commissioners spoke to us showed clearly that they want the PDP to continue to thrive as the major opposition party,” he said.
He acknowledged that both sides to the dispute made presentations before INEC and that the meeting helped identify the roots of the crisis, which he attributed to “greed, ambition and ego of some individuals.” He stressed that the PDP remains committed to the rule of law, party constitution, and INEC guidelines.
Anyanwu said the PDP had a proven mechanism for managing internal crises. “The PDP is still PDP. We will defend this party. We will come out stronger. Nigerians are looking up to the PDP, and we will not disappoint them,” he declared.
He also called on members who had left or been estranged from the party to return and participate in the reconciliation process.
“The only recognised body at the moment is the National Caretaker Committee. We want our brothers and sisters outside to come back home so that we can conduct a normal, credible and inclusive national convention,” he said.
Kabiru Tanimu Turaki, SAN, the National Chairman of the PDP, said the party was invited by INEC following earlier correspondence seeking dialogue on internal matters.
He confirmed that individuals who were no longer part of the party were also invited as part of INEC’s reconciliation efforts.
Turaki said the PDP leadership presented its position clearly to the commission, while acknowledging that some of the issues are currently before the Court of Appeal.
He noted that INEC had assured the party it would carefully consider all submissions made.
“We understand that INEC cannot take the place of a court of law, but they have listened to us and promised to look into the issues seriously,” he said.
The PDP chairman reiterated the party’s commitment to its role as Nigeria’s leading opposition party, pledging to continue holding the APC-led federal government accountable on governance, security, infrastructure, and justice.
Turaki likened the situation to a dispute between brothers, noting that all parties must be heard to ensure fairness. He said INEC’s decision to invite all sides was aimed at preventing claims of bias and promoting reconciliation.
Turaki said it was in everyone’s interest for INEC to ensure that all major political parties were stable enough to participate fully.
“An election where major participants are unable to take part will cast a shadow on the credibility of the process. We believe INEC is acting to prevent that,” he said.
He added that internal disputes were not unique to the PDP, urging INEC to take a broader look at the sources of conflicts affecting opposition parties across the country.
