The faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) aligned with Oyo State Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde, has criticised the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) over its recognition of a caretaker committee reportedly backed by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.
The faction, in a statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Ini Ememobong, described INEC’s action as unconstitutional, provocative and capable of escalating tensions within the party.
Ememobong said the faction was aware that INEC recently invited leaders of political parties to a meeting and extended the invitation to individuals claiming to represent the PDP as members of a so-called National Caretaker Committee.
According to him, such a committee has no basis in the PDP constitution.
“We are aware that the Independent National Electoral Commission invited the leaders of political parties to a meeting today and 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,” the statement read.
He warned that while the action was capable of causing a widespread breach of peace, the party would respond strictly through legal means.
“This action, though ordinarily vexatious and capable of causing a widespread breach of peace, will be met with all possible legal responses,” Ememobong stated.
The PDP spokesman further faulted INEC for failing to exercise restraint despite the pendency of several cases at the Court of Appeal relating to the party’s leadership crisis.
“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, and exercised restraint,” he said.
Ememobong insisted that INEC had no constitutional authority to determine or impose leadership on the party, stressing that such matters remained within the internal mechanisms of the PDP and the jurisdiction of the courts.
“We can assure that INEC will not choose a leadership for our party,” he said.
He called on party members nationwide to remain calm, peaceful and patient as the legal processes unfold, expressing confidence that the appellate court would soon resolve all outstanding leadership disputes.
“Consequently, we urge all our members to remain calm and hopeful that, soonest, the Court of Appeal will hear and determine all the cases concerning the leadership of our party,” the statement added.
The faction, led by the Kabiru Tanimu Turaki (SAN)-headed National Working Committee, also expressed optimism that the party would overcome its current challenges.
According to Ememobong, the PDP’s ongoing rebirth movement remains “steady and secure” and will ultimately produce a stronger and more united party capable of offering Nigerians a credible alternative to the ruling party.
“We assure that the rebirth movement of our party, under the able leadership of Kabiru Tanimu Turaki (SAN), will surmount all these challenges to present a more united party to Nigerians,” he said.
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