The crisis rocking the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has taken a fresh turn as the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) formally rejected the Tanimu Turaki (SAN)-led National Working Committee ahead of the 2027 general elections.

INEC based its decision on existing court judgments and unresolved legal processes surrounding the party’s disputed national leadership. In a letter dated December 22, the electoral umpire stated that it could not recognise or update the list of PDP national officers allegedly elected at the party’s Ibadan convention held on November 15 and 16, 2025.

According to the commission, two final judgments of the Federal High Court in Abuja expressly restrained INEC from supervising, monitoring, or recognising the outcome of the convention until all court orders are complied with. INEC stressed that although appeals had been filed, the judgments remained binding until they were set aside or stayed by a competent court.

The decision has sparked strong reactions within the party. The Turaki-led camp described INEC’s stance as unfair and politically motivated, insisting that there is no faction within the PDP. The camp’s National Publicity Secretary, Ini Ememobong, argued that the party’s legitimate organs, including governors, lawmakers, and other stakeholders, had already endorsed Turaki’s leadership.

Ememobong also accused INEC of bias, alleging that the commission monitored party meetings and primaries conducted under the Turaki-led National Working Committee, only to later turn around and deny recognition. He maintained that the matter was already before the Court of Appeal and expressed confidence that the PDP would eventually secure favourable rulings.

On the other hand, the faction backed by former Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, welcomed INEC’s decision. Senator Samuel Anyanwu, National Secretary of the Wike-aligned caretaker committee, described the move as a victory for the rule of law. He insisted that the Ibadan convention was illegal and should not be recognised by any authority.

The leadership tussle has pitched PDP governors against the Wike-aligned group, with both sides laying claim to the party’s national structure. While the governors supported the transition from former chairman Umar Damagum to Turaki, the opposing faction went ahead to constitute a caretaker committee, further complicating the situation.

With INEC refusing to recognise either side for now, uncertainty hangs over the PDP’s preparations for the 2027 elections. Analysts warn that unless the internal crisis is quickly resolved through the courts or political reconciliation, the party risks weakening its position as Nigeria’s main opposition and handing an advantage to its rivals ahead of the next polls.