By Charles Pemu 
The Independent National Electoral Commission acted as a mediator on Friday to address the escalating leadership struggle within the Peoples Democratic Party by summoning rival factions to its national headquarters in Abuja. This high-level intervention seeks to harmonize the internal friction that has led to a surge of contradictory communications from the party’s various administrative blocs. By bringing the opposing groups to the table, the electoral umpire aims to stabilize the opposition’s structure before the commencement of upcoming electoral cycles.
The session featured the presence of the two primary camps currently vying for control of the party’s administrative machinery. One delegation was spearheaded by Tanimu Turaki, who was joined by the National Working Committee and prominent figures such as former Niger State Governor Babangida Aliyu. The opposing faction, led by Abdulrahman Mohammed and widely recognized for its association with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, included the Secretary of the national caretaker committee, Senator Sam Anyanwu.
Professor Joash Amupitan, the Chairman of INEC, opened the proceedings by highlighting the statutory necessity of the commission’s involvement. He clarified that the move was not an overreach but a fulfillment of the commission’s constitutional duty to monitor political party activities. The Chairman explained that the commission had been bombarded with conflicting requests and correspondence from different wings of the party, making it impossible to maintain a clear administrative path without a unified resolution.
During his address, Professor Amupitan emphasized that the commission operates under a strict “tripod” of legal frameworks, which includes the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the Electoral Act, and established internal regulations. This legal foundation serves as the commission’s guide in ensuring that party disputes do not compromise the integrity of the national democratic process. He assured both parties that the commission would remain neutral while upholding the sanctity of the law throughout the reconciliation process.
The urgency of the meeting is closely tied to the electoral calendar, specifically the Federal Capital Territory Area Council elections scheduled for February 21, 2026. Furthermore, the commission is preparing for governorship polls in Ekiti and Osun states, which are set to take place in June and July 2026. With the official schedule of activities already in motion, the commission noted that the PDP must resolve its internal disputes to ensure a smooth participation in these democratic exercises.
Professor Amupitan urged the party leaders to view the intervention as an opportunity for a frank and brotherly discussion to move the party forward. Following the opening remarks, the participants entered a closed-door session to deliberate on the specific points of contention. The outcome of these discussions is expected to define the party’s official representation in future dealings with the electoral commission and its overall readiness for the 2026 polls.
Would you like me to create a summary of the key legal frameworks mentioned in the Electoral Act that govern these types of party leadership disputes?