The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has urged rival factions of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to urgently put their house in order.
INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, gave the directive during a meeting with leaders of both factions in Abuja.
According to him, the commission called the meeting after receiving conflicting correspondence from different groups within the party.
INEC Meets Rival PDP Factions
The meeting brought together the faction led by Tanimu Turaki and the group headed by Abdulrahman Mohammed.
The Mohammed faction has the backing of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.
Turaki attended with members of his National Working Committee, secretariat officials, and former Niger State Governor, Babangida Aliyu.
Mohammed appeared with members of his national caretaker committee, including its secretary, Senator Sam Anyanwu.
Speaking at the meeting, Amupitan explained why INEC intervened.
“This meeting has become necessary because we have received several correspondence from various sides requesting one thing or the other,” he said.
“And we are aware that INEC is charged statutorily under the Act and under the Constitution to monitor the activities of political parties.”
INEC Cites Upcoming Elections
The INEC chairman said preparations for upcoming elections also informed the meeting.
He listed the Federal Capital Territory Area Council elections scheduled for February 21, 2026.
He also mentioned the Ekiti and Osun governorship elections fixed for June and July 2026.
According to him, INEC has already released its election timetable to political parties.
“We are on course to ensure smooth elections in the FCT, Ekiti, and Osun states,” Amupitan said.
He added that dialogue could help the PDP resolve its internal disputes.
INEC Assures Neutrality
Amupitan stressed that INEC would act strictly within the law.
He said the commission operates under the Constitution, the Electoral Act, and its regulations.
He assured both factions that INEC would remain neutral.
“So without much ado, I want to welcome all of you, and I request that we should have very frank discussions to ensure that we can achieve the objective of this meeting,” he said.
After the opening remarks, the meeting moved into a closed-door session.
INEC expects the engagement to produce recommendations on resolving the PDP crisis ahead of the elections.
