The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Joash Amupitan, has convened a meeting with representatives of the two rival factions laying claim to the leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), in an effort to address the party’s lingering internal crisis.
The closed-door meeting, which took place at INEC headquarters in Abuja, brought together officials from the camps led by Tanimu Turaki and Samuel Anyanwu respectively.
According to INEC, the engagement was initiated to clarify why the electoral body has been receiving official letters from two different groups, each presenting itself as the authentic leadership of the PDP.
Prof. Amupitan explained at the opening of the meeting that the commission needs clarity on the situation, especially as preparations intensify for upcoming elections, including the Federal Capital Territory area council polls and governorship elections in Osun and Ekiti states next year.
After his introductory remarks, journalists were asked to leave to allow for frank discussions.
The PDP has been embroiled in a protracted leadership tussle, largely split between factions aligned with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, and those loyal to former minister Kabiru Turaki.
The dispute has led to a series of expulsions and counter-expulsions, worsening divisions within the opposition party.
Tensions recently spilled over at the PDP national secretariat in Abuja, where supporters of the rival camps clashed.
Security operatives reportedly used tear gas to restore order after chaos broke out, temporarily preventing some party leaders, including governors, from accessing the premises.
Turaki later declared that he had assumed the position of national chairman, further escalating the controversy.
With the crisis threatening the party’s cohesion and electoral readiness, INEC’s intervention is seen as a crucial step toward determining which leadership structure the commission will officially recognise ahead of future elections.
