Turaki-Led PDP Insists It Will Contest 2027 Elections Despite Leadership Dispute
Despite an ongoing leadership crisis and non-recognition by INEC, the Tanimu Turaki-led faction of the PDP insists on fully participating in the 2027 general elections. Turaki remains confident the party will overcome challenges and be on the ballot, backed by key stakeholders.
The Tanimu Turaki-led faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has reaffirmed its commitment to participating in the 2027 general elections despite the party's ongoing leadership crisis.
Speaking at a stakeholders' meeting in Abuja, Interim National Chairman Tanimu Turaki (SAN) said the PDP has overcome similar challenges in the past and remains confident of emerging stronger. He described the current crisis as temporary and alleged that opposition parties are often destabilised by the ruling party.
However, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) does not currently recognise the Turaki-led faction, preventing it from uploading candidates' names to the electoral body's portal. INEC recognises the PDP National Working Committee led by Abdulrahman Mohammed, which has already begun submitting candidates for the upcoming elections.
Efforts by the Turaki camp to secure legal recognition suffered a setback after an Abuja Federal High Court struck out a suit filed by the party's Board of Trustees seeking to compel INEC to recognise its leadership.
Despite the legal and administrative hurdles, Turaki expressed confidence that his faction would eventually secure recognition and field candidates at all levels in 2027. Former Niger State Governor Mu'azu Babangida Aliyu and PDP state chairmen also pledged their support for the faction's leadership. Turaki maintained that the PDP remains focused on reclaiming political power and assured party members that the faction would remain on course ahead of the elections.