The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has explained why it invited the two warring factions of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for discussions at its national headquarters in Abuja on Friday. The meeting comes amid escalating disputes within the party, which have raised concerns about the party’s readiness and unity ahead of upcoming elections.
INEC Chairman, Professor Joash Amupitan, told journalists that the electoral body decided to bring all parties together after receiving conflicting correspondences from the factions involved in the crisis. According to him, the goal was to create an opportunity for the different sides to “rub minds together” and forge a way forward concerning the elections.
“The Commission felt that by bringing the parties together, it will be a good opportunity for us to find a way forward concerning the elections,” Amupitan said.
The PDP, one of Nigeria’s major political parties, has been embroiled in internal conflicts for months. These disputes have often centered around the control of party structures, recognition of legitimate party leadership, and preparation for local, state, and national elections. Party members have, at times, sent conflicting letters to INEC, each claiming to represent the true leadership of the party.
Professor Amupitan emphasized that INEC’s involvement is part of its constitutional duty to ensure that political parties operate within the law. He explained that the Commission operates under a tripod of legal frameworks: the Nigerian Constitution, the Electoral Act, and INEC’s own regulations.
“Actually, INEC sits on the tripod of three legal regimes: the Constitution, the Electoral Act, and the regulations that have been made,” Amupitan said. “So we are determined to ensure that we follow the provisions of the various laws, the Constitution, and the regulations that we have made.”
He added that the Commission’s decision to invite the factions was guided by the need to maintain electoral credibility and prevent disputes from affecting the party’s participation in upcoming elections.
“The Commission’s primary concern is to ensure that all parties comply with legal and constitutional provisions so that elections are conducted smoothly,” he said.
The PDP crisis has been characterized by a struggle for control between two main factions. One faction is led by party stalwarts who claim to hold the legitimate national leadership, while the other is supported by a group of defectors and newly influential members seeking to assert control over the party’s structure.
This internal division has led to confusion within the party’s administrative and operational systems. For instance, during candidate selection exercises and internal elections, each faction has issued directives that contradict the other, leaving party officials, INEC, and voters uncertain about which instructions to follow.
The conflicting communications prompted INEC to step in to clarify which faction has the authority to represent the party in official electoral matters. By facilitating dialogue between the warring groups, INEC aims to reduce confusion and prevent legal disputes that could jeopardize the party’s participation in elections.
Dr. Olumide Adebayo, a political analyst, said, “INEC’s intervention is timely. The PDP must resolve its internal disputes to avoid a situation where rival factions file separate candidates, leading to confusion and possible disqualification by the electoral body.”
He added that the Commission’s role is not to take sides but to ensure compliance with electoral laws, emphasizing the need for political parties to remain transparent and accountable in their internal affairs.
Under the Nigerian Constitution and the Electoral Act, INEC has the authority to regulate political parties, monitor compliance with internal democracy rules, and ensure that parties follow due process in their operations. This includes recognizing legitimate party leadership and ensuring that candidates are nominated according to party constitutions and legal provisions.
By inviting both PDP factions to its headquarters, INEC demonstrated a proactive approach to handling internal party disputes, signaling to all political parties that the electoral body will not ignore conflicts that could disrupt the electoral process.
Professor Amupitan reiterated that INEC’s actions are guided by law, transparency, and fairness. “We are not here to solve political disagreements,” he said. “Our duty is to ensure that all parties operate within the framework of the Constitution and electoral regulations, so that elections are credible and voters’ confidence is maintained.”
The meeting at INEC headquarters is seen as a critical step in resolving the PDP’s ongoing crisis. While it does not guarantee an immediate solution, it provides a platform for dialogue and clarification of authority within the party. Observers hope that the discussions will lead to a unified party structure capable of participating effectively in upcoming elections.
As Nigeria approaches the next electoral cycle, the role of INEC in managing political party disputes remains vital. The Commission’s intervention in the PDP crisis highlights its commitment to safeguarding the electoral process and ensuring that political parties adhere to legal and constitutional guidelines.
