Fresh tension has emerged within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as the Kabiru Turaki-led faction has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to immediately withdraw its recognition of Senator Samuel N. Anyanwu as the party’s National Secretary.
The faction made the demand in a formal letter dated April 16, 2026, and addressed to the INEC Chairman, Professor Joash Amupitan, at the commission’s headquarters in Maitama, Abuja.
The letter was signed by counsel to the faction, Abdullahi Ibrahim, SAN.
According to the lawyers, a subsisting judgment of the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory has already affirmed Anyanwu’s expulsion from the PDP, and INEC is constitutionally bound to comply with the ruling.
They explained that the PDP’s National Disciplinary Committee had on March 10, 2025, recommended Anyanwu’s expulsion over alleged anti-party activities, a decision which was later adopted and implemented by the party.
They further stated that Anyanwu challenged the decision in Suit No. CV/1050/2025: Senator Samuel N. Anyanwu v. Ambassador Iliya Umar Damagum & 8 Ors, but the court dismissed the case on January 12, 2026, thereby upholding his expulsion.
The lawyers added that although Anyanwu has filed an appeal, it does not constitute a stay of execution, meaning the judgment remains valid, binding, and enforceable.
Citing Section 287(3) of the 1999 Constitution, the legal team argued that all court judgments must be obeyed by all persons and authorities in Nigeria, including INEC.
They insisted that by continuing to recognise Anyanwu as National Secretary, INEC is in breach of its constitutional duty and undermining judicial authority.
The lawyers warned that such action could amount to contempt of court.
The faction further demanded that INEC remove all records, correspondences, emails, and official documents signed by Anyanwu in his capacity as National Secretary since January 12, 2026.
It also urged the commission to delist his name from its official records and cease recognising him unless a higher court overturns the judgment.
The letter warned that failure to comply would force the PDP to initiate contempt proceedings against the INEC Chairman and pursue further legal action.
The development adds to the ongoing leadership crisis within the PDP, particularly among factions aligned with Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.
The party has in recent months been embroiled in disputes over leadership structure, disciplinary actions, and the legitimacy of key officials.
As of the time of filing this report, INEC had not issued any official response to the demands, leaving the matter unresolved and heightening tensions within the opposition party.
The dispute is part of a wider internal struggle within the PDP following its recent national convention and ongoing disagreements over factional leadership and party control ahead of the 2027 elections.
