Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has firmly dismissed claims of internal division, insisting that the party remains united and under a single, legitimate leadership structure.
In a strongly worded statement on Monday, the PDP leadership said “in law and fact, there is no faction in the Peoples Democratic Party,” stressing that recent controversies surrounding its leadership stem from ongoing court processes already before the Court of Appeal.
The party explained that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had cited judgments of the Federal High Court as the reason for its inability to recognise and upload details of the PDP’s leadership elected at the Ibadan convention. However, the PDP noted that those judgments have been appealed, with applications for a stay of execution already filed.
While urging patience pending the appellate court’s decision, the PDP recalled that INEC actively monitored and participated in key National Executive Committee (NEC) meetings where the date and venue of the Ibadan convention were unanimously agreed. According to the party, INEC also received formal notice of the convention, a fact it claimed the commission “has unconscionably suppressed in court in several cases.”
The party further pointed out that INEC monitored its governorship primaries in Ekiti and Osun states, with all official communications issued by the National Working Committee (NWC) led by Kabiru Tanimu Turaki, SAN.
“We appreciate the monumental pressure that INEC has come under,” the statement said, adding pointedly that “their constitutional responsibility is primarily to Nigerians and in the defence and protection of democracy.”
The PDP also referenced recent Supreme Court judgments, including the latest decision in the SDP case, which, it said, clearly bars INEC from interfering in the internal leadership affairs of political parties.
Reiterating its position, the party maintained that “there is no faction in the PDP,” insisting that all legitimate organs and administrative structures remain under the control of the Turaki-led NWC. It added that within the past month, major stakeholder blocs — including the Board of Trustees, PDP Governors’ Forum, state chairmen, National Assembly caucuses, former governors and ministers — have all met with and acknowledged the current leadership.
“Democracy is hinged on majority rule,” the statement said, arguing that “the committee of friends of Wike and Anyanwu cannot be validly referred to as a faction of the PDP.”
The party also accused INEC of inconsistency and bias, alleging that the commission failed to present key documents in court despite having them in its possession. It questioned the rationale behind what it described as a “contrived meeting” with INEC last week, suggesting it was aimed at creating “a false perception of faction” within the party.
Concluding, the PDP called on its members and Nigerians at large to remain calm and steadfast, urging continued support for what it described as the party’s “rebirth and renaissance” as it repositions itself for success in forthcoming elections.