The Independent National Electoral Commission on Friday met with rival factions of the Peoples Democratic Party at its headquarters in Abuja over concerns arising from the party’s internal crisis ahead of forthcoming elections.
Those at the meeting included members of the faction led by Kabiru Tanimu Turaki, alongside representatives of the caretaker committee led by Abdulrahman Mohammed and Senator Sam Anyanwu.
The engagement followed what INEC described as conflicting correspondences from the main opposition party concerning its leadership and activities.
Speaking before the meeting moved into a closed session, INEC Chairman, Professor Joash Amupitan, said the commission was worried about the implications of the disagreements within the PDP as preparations intensify for the Federal Capital Territory Area Councils election and the off season governorship elections in Ekiti and Osun states.
According to him, the FCT Area Councils election is scheduled for February 1, 2026, while Ekiti will hold its governorship election in June 2026, followed by Osun in July 2026. He said INEC had already released the timetable and schedule of activities for the polls and was determined to ensure hitch free exercises.
“We have issued our schedule of activities to all political parties, and we are on course to ensure very smooth elections in the FCT Area Councils and the off season governorship elections,” Amupitan said.
He explained that the commission decided to invite the PDP leadership factions after receiving letters that appeared to contradict one another, adding that the meeting was intended to allow all sides to engage constructively and chart a clear path forward.
“We felt that by rubbing minds together, it would be a good opportunity to forge the way forward concerning the elections. I am happy that very top officials of the party are present so that we can discuss as a family, resolve the issues and move forward,” he stated.
Amupitan stressed that INEC would be guided strictly by the Constitution, the Electoral Act and the regulations issued by the commission in all its decisions.
“So we are mindful of the need to maintain the sanctity of the Constitution, which is the grundnorm, as well as the Electoral Act and our guidelines. INEC sits on the tripod of the Constitution, the Electoral Act and the regulations made by the commission,” he added.
The PDP has been embroiled in a prolonged internal crisis, with multiple factions laying claim to the party’s leadership, a situation widely seen as part of the power struggle ahead of the 2027 general elections.
