The Kabiru Tanimu Turaki-led faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has declared its rejection of the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) decision to recognize a rival “National Caretaker Committee” and has vowed to challenge the action in court.
The decision follows an invitation by INEC to the rival faction recently recognised by a court in Ibadan to attend a meeting of political party leaders held earlier today.
In a press statement released by the faction’s National Publicity Secretary, Comrade Ini Ememobong, the group described INEC’s move as unconstitutional and provocative.
According to the statement, the invitation was extended to “former members of our party who are purporting to lead a so-called National Caretaker Committee,” a structure the Turaki faction insists is alien to the party’s constitution.
“This action, though ordinarily vexatious and capable of causing widespread breach of peace, will be met with all possible legal response,” the statement declared.
The faction accused INEC of ignoring pending appeals before the Court of Appeal, which are set to determine the authentic leadership of the PDP. It expressed disappointment that the electoral umpire would rely on a judgment that is still under appeal to legitimize the rival group.
“It is expected that an impartial umpire would have taken notice of the pendency of the matters… and exercised restraint. We can assure that INEC will not choose a leadership for our party,” the statement added.
While calling on its members to remain calm, the faction assured supporters that the “Rebirth movement” under Turaki’s leadership remains “steady and secure” and would overcome the current legal and political hurdles.
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