The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has reiterated its position on the non-recognition of the two factions of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). In a letter dated 22 December 2025, INEC confirmed receiving several requests from PDP lawyers to update its website with the list of National Officers reportedly elected at the convention. The Commission
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has reiterated its position on the non-recognition of the two factions of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
In a letter dated 22 December 2025, INEC confirmed receiving several requests from PDP lawyers to update its website with the list of National Officers reportedly elected at the convention.
The Commission reviewed the requests based on relevant facts, laws, and binding court decisions. INEC referenced two Federal High Court judgments: Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/2120/2025 (Austine Nwachukwu & Others v. INEC & Others, 31 October 2025) and Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/2299/2025 (Alhaji Sule Lamido v. PDP & Others, 14 November 2025).
The Commission stated that both judgments barred INEC from overseeing or recognising the results of the PDP National Convention on 15–16 November 2025, or any other date, until court orders are followed.
Although Notices of Appeal have been submitted against the judgments, INEC clarified that simply filing an appeal does not automatically stop the execution of those judgments. The Commission stated that unless a competent court sets aside or suspends the judgments, it is constitutionally required to comply fully with them according to Section 287(3) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).
INEC also addressed references to interim orders issued by the High Court of Oyo State in Suit No. I/1336/2025 – Folahan Malomo Adelabi v. PDP & Ors., clarifying that the Commission had since been struck out of the suit for want of jurisdiction. It further explained that, in any event, interim orders cannot override or nullify subsisting final judgments of courts of coordinate or superior jurisdiction.
In addition, the Commission noted the existence of another pending suit filed by the PDP itself in Suit No. FHC/IB/CS/121/2025 – PDP v. INEC, in which the party seeks an order compelling INEC to recognise the National Working Committee and members of the National Executive Committee allegedly elected at the Ibadan convention for all party-related and electoral matters.
Due to ongoing suits and appeals, INEC stated it cannot recognise or update the list of National Officers from the PDP National Convention of 15–16 November 2025 until all appeals are resolved and court orders are followed.
The Commission also stated that it had clearly restated these points to the PDP leadership during a meeting at INEC Headquarters on Friday, December 19, 2025, highlighting its dedication to due process and respect for judicial authority.
INEC assured stakeholders of its highest regard and reaffirmed its resolve to continue acting strictly within the confines of the Constitution and the rule of law.
