DESPITE the internal crisis that has rocked the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the leadership of the party has insisted that there is no faction in the party.
Recall that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had refused to recognise the leadership of the party from the convention held in Ibadan.
However, the PDP said ‘’the reiteration is necessary in the light of INEC’s letter explaining their inability to recognise and upload the data of our legitimately elected leadership at the convention in Ibadan due to judgments of the Federal High Court.
‘’The said judgments have been appealed, and an application for the stay of execution has been filed against the judgments, and very soon the Court of Appeal will hear and give judgment in the matters.
‘’While that is being awaited, it is needful to state that INEC monitored and participated in the National Executive Committee meetings where the convention date and venue were unanimously agreed and was also in receipt of the notice of the convention- a fact the Commission has unconscionably suppressed in court in several cases.
‘’Furthermore, the primaries in Ekiti and Osun were duly monitored by INEC, with communication emanating from the Turaki-led NWC. While we appreciate the monumental pressure that INEC has come under (after all, he who pays the piper dictates the tune), we remind them that their constitutional responsibility is primarily to Nigerians and in the defence and protection of democracy.
‘’While INEC claims to be neutral and is awaiting the Judgement of the court on the matter, we hope that they are mindful of the judgments of the Supreme Court, especially in the SDP case, being the latest delivered last week, barring INEC from interfering in the internal leadership affairs of political parties.
‘’The truth remains that there is no faction in the PDP, as all the legitimate organs and the administrative structure of the Party are under the control of Kabiru Tanimu Turaki SAN.
‘’In the past month, the Board of Trustees, Governors Forum, State Chairmen, Senate and House of Representatives Caucuses, former Governors and Ministers and many other notable stakeholder groups have all met with and acknowledged the leadership of the current National Working Committee, led by Turaki SAN. ‘’INEC must remember that democracy is hinged on majority rule, so the committee of friends of Wike and Anyanwu cannot be validly referred to as a faction of the PDP.
‘’Finally, having held a meeting with the Commission last week, and our correspondence, thereafter, further explaining relevant issues relating to the current situation, we should ordinarily not respond to this letter, except to point out the hypocrisy and consistent bias that has completely coloured the action of the electoral umpire.
‘’INEC has continuously shown bias in this matter, even in the court, where they failed or refused to file documents that were in their possession and within their knowledge, obviously to aid those who are bent on killing the PDP and truncating democracy. ‘’If INEC, under the leadership of Prof. Joash Amupitan, SAN, knew the matter was in court, what was the rationale for the contrived meeting of Friday last week? Except to paint a false perception of faction to justify their actions and inactions.
‘’We therefore urge all Nigerians, particularly our members, to remain calm, resolute and continue to support the rebirth and renaissance moves of the party, as we reposition the party for electoral success in the coming elections.
