Leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) met with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Abuja on Friday, December 20, 2025, in a bid to resolve the internal crisis tearing Nigeria’s main opposition party apart. The interactive session was called by INEC at its headquarters as the party grapples with rival leadership claims that have undermined its cohesion and raised concerns about its ability to contest upcoming elections.
INEC Chairman Professor Joash Amupitan opened the meeting by reminding PDP officials of the commission’s constitutional and statutory role in monitoring the activities of political parties. He said INEC has a duty to ensure all registered parties comply with the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the Electoral Act, and its own regulations and guidelines as the country prepares for a series of off-season elections, including the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Area Council polls in February 2026 and governorship elections in Ekiti and Osun states later next year.
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Professor Amupitan said the meeting was necessary because INEC had received conflicting correspondence from different quarters within the PDP, creating uncertainty about who speaks for the party. He said the commission seeks clarity and a shared understanding to ensure the party can participate fully and transparently in the electoral process.
The PDP leadership present at the session included officials from the rival camps that have been battling for control of the party’s national structure. One group is led by Tanimu Turaki SAN and claims authority through a national convention it says was properly conducted. The opposing faction is backed by the National Caretaker Committee loyal to top party figures, including senior leaders aligned with former Rivers State governor Nyesom Wike. Each group has repeatedly issued letters and directives in the name of the PDP, escalating confusion both within the party and among electoral authorities.
INEC emphasised its commitment to conducting smooth and credible elections, and the chairman told the PDP leaders that early and frank engagement is crucial to this goal. He said INEC remained guided strictly by the legal framework and urged the party to use the meeting as a platform for constructive dialogue and internal resolution.
Leaders from both PDP factions spoke briefly after the meeting, assuring supporters and Nigerians that the party would not fail despite its internal struggles. They sought to project unity and a willingness to continue engaging with INEC to resolve disagreements and restore confidence in the party’s decision-making processes.
The meeting signalled a rare moment of direct interaction between INEC and a major political party in crisis. INEC’s approach reflects growing concern that prolonged internal rifts could compromise the PDP’s ability to present candidates and engage voters effectively in future elections — and could potentially disrupt the overall electoral calendar.
As the discussions continue, Nigerians and political observers will be watching closely to see if the PDP can reach a workable solution that unifies its leadership ahead of critical polls. The commission’s willingness to engage both sides suggests that INEC is keen to avert legal and procedural challenges that might otherwise complicate election preparations.