The faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) led by Kabiru Turaki has said that only the Supreme Court can determine the party’s leadership crisis, insisting that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) lacks final authority on the matter.
This is contained in a statement issued on Monday, March 30, 2026, in Abuja by the faction’s National Publicity Secretary, Ini Ememobong.
Ememobong said the group had already approached the Supreme Court to seek a definitive ruling on the dispute over the PDP’s leadership structure.
He spoke against the backdrop of INEC’s recognition of a rival National Working Committee (NWC) aligned with Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory.
The electoral body had listed the leadership of the faction on its official platform, naming Abdulrahman Mohammed as National Chairman.
Mohammed and other members of the NWC emerged at a national convention held on Sunday, March 29, 2026, at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja.
Reacting, the Turaki-led faction rejected the outcome of the convention, describing it as illegitimate and conducted in violation of pending legal processes.
Ememobong alleged that the exercise was held in contempt of ongoing proceedings before the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court.
According to him, parties involved had been duly served with court processes, including appeals before the apex court and other suits challenging the legality of the convention.
He maintained that the validity of the gathering was now a subject of judicial determination.
“The validity of that gathering is now a matter before the court, which we will diligently follow to its conclusion,” he said.
The faction further alleged that the internal crisis within the PDP was being influenced by the administration of Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Ememobong said the situation reflected broader challenges facing opposition parties in the country.
“These are very trying times for the PDP and other opposition parties,” he said, alleging attempts to weaken alternative political platforms.
He also linked the crisis to public dissatisfaction with governance, particularly in areas such as security, the economy and social welfare.
Reporters say the PDP has been embroiled in a protracted leadership dispute, with rival factions laying claim to the party’s national structure.
The crisis has resulted in parallel claims to legitimacy, with both sides seeking judicial intervention as legal proceedings continue.
Observers say the outcome of the Supreme Court’s decision will be critical in determining the party’s leadership and future direction ahead of forthcoming political activities.