The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced its decision to defer to the Court of Appeal's judgment regarding the ongoing internal leadership dispute within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). This declaration followed a significant meeting held on Friday, where the INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan (SAN), convened with the Kabiru Turaki-led National Working Committee (NWC) of the PDP and other former party members who are also asserting claims to leadership positions.

Comrade Ini Ememobong, the PDP National Publicity Secretary, officially confirmed the details and outcome of the meeting. According to his statement, the primary objective of the gathering was to “find a way to resolve the lingering crisis in the party.” During the proceedings, representatives from both factions presented their respective arguments and positions, while crucially acknowledging that the matter is currently under the jurisdiction of the Court of Appeal.

Prof. Amupitan articulated INEC's role in the situation, stating that the Commission's responsibility was to listen impartially to both disputing parties. He reiterated that INEC is fully aware of the pending court cases concerning the PDP's leadership. Furthermore, he firmly declared that the Commission would rigorously abide by the final judgment issued by the court before proceeding to take any further administrative or recognition steps related to the party's leadership.

Following the conclusion of the meeting, Kabiru Turaki (SAN), who serves as the PDP National Chairman, reaffirmed his conviction that his leadership is the legally authentic one, recognized by law, until such a time that the courts rule otherwise. Turaki stated, “As the authentic leadership of the party that emerged at a valid convention (though contested in court), while awaiting the pronouncement of the court, we will continue to undertake the duties of an opposition party, which is to hold government to account on critical issues like security, infrastructure, education, healthcare, etc.” This statement underscores the party's intent to maintain its role as an opposition force while the legal resolution unfolds.