The Tanimu Turaki-led National Working Committee (NWC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has insisted that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has no constitutional power to appoint or determine the leadership of the party.
The party’s National Publicity Secretary, Ini Ememobong, stated this on Thursday while reacting to INEC’s quarterly consultative meeting with political parties, which was attended by the Abdulrahman Mohammed-led National Caretaker Committee (NCC).
Ememobong said the PDP was aware that INEC invited leaders of political parties to the meeting but faulted the commission for extending an invitation to individuals he described as former members of the party, claiming to represent a so-called National Caretaker Committee.
“We are also aware that INEC extended the invitation to some former members of our party who are purporting to lead a so-called National Caretaker Committee, to represent our party, whereas there is no such provision in our constitution,” he said.
According to him, the action of INEC was vexatious and capable of causing a widespread breach of peace, adding that the party would explore all available legal options in response.
“This action, though ordinarily vexatious and capable of causing widespread breach of peace, will be met with all possible legal response,” Ememobong said.
He further criticised INEC for failing to exercise restraint, especially in view of the pending cases at the Court of Appeal concerning the leadership of the PDP.
“Though not unexpected of this current INEC leadership, it is expected that an impartial umpire would have taken notice of the pendency of the matters in the Court of Appeal, including the judgment which they are relying upon, which, when decided, will effectively affect the subject under consideration,” he said.
Ememobong stressed that INEC could not impose leadership on the party, assuring members that the issue would be resolved through the courts.
“We can assure that INEC will not choose a leadership for our party,” he said.
He urged PDP members across the country to remain calm and hopeful, expressing confidence that the Court of Appeal would soon hear and determine all cases relating to the party’s leadership.
Ememobong also reaffirmed the strength of the party under the Turaki-led NWC.
“We assure that the rebirth movement of our party, under the able leadership of Tanimu Turaki, SAN, is steady and secure. It will ultimately surmount all these challenges to present a stronger and more united party to Nigerians, as a credible alternative to the ruling party,” he added.
