Our Reporter, Abuja
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has faulted the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) over its decision to invite members of a faction loyal to former Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, to a political parties’ stakeholders’ meeting.
In a press statement issued on Wednesday and signed by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Comrade Ini Ememobong, the PDP said it was aware that INEC invited leaders of political parties to a meeting and “extended the invitation to some former members of our party who are purporting to lead a so-called National Caretaker Committee, to represent our party, whereas there is no such provision in our constitution.”
The party described the action as “vexatious and capable of causing widespread breach of peace,” adding that it would be met with “all possible legal response.”
Although the PDP said it was not surprised by the action of the current INEC leadership, it expressed concern that the electoral body failed to exercise restraint despite pending cases at the Court of Appeal.
“It is expected that an impartial umpire would have taken notice of the pendency of the matters in the Court of Appeal (including the judgment which they are relying upon), which when decided, will effectively affect the subject under consideration,” the statement read.
The opposition party stressed that INEC had no power to determine its leadership, insisting that “INEC will not choose a leadership for our party.”
The PDP urged its members nationwide to remain calm, expressing confidence that the appellate court would soon hear and determine all cases relating to the party’s leadership tussle.
“We assure that the Rebirth movement of our party, under the able leadership of Kabiru Tanimu Turaki, SAN, is steady and secure, and will ultimately surmount all these challenges,” the party said.
According to the statement, the PDP remains committed to repositioning itself as “a stronger and more united party to Nigerians, as a credible alternative to the ruling party that has brought untold sorrows, tears and blood to Nigerians.”
