The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Friday held a high-level meeting with leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Abuja, as efforts intensify to address the internal crisis rocking Nigeria’s main opposition party. The engagement followed a series of conflicting correspondences from different factions within the PDP, prompting the electoral body to intervene ahead of forthcoming elections.
In a statement issued by the Commission, and sighted by Governance Today Online news, INEC said the interactive session was convened to strengthen compliance with the Constitution, the Electoral Act and the Commission’s regulations. Addressing the party leaders, INEC Chairman, Professor Joash Amupitan, explained that the meeting became necessary due to requests from various quarters within the party seeking the Commission’s guidance on contentious issues arising from the leadership dispute.
Professor Amupitan reminded participants that INEC is constitutionally and statutorily mandated not only to conduct elections but also to monitor the activities of political parties. He noted that the Commission had already released its timetable and schedule of activities for the 2026 election cycle, stressing that INEC remains committed to delivering credible, transparent and orderly polls. He also highlighted the Federal Capital Territory Area Council elections scheduled for 21 February 2026, alongside other elections planned for later in the year.
The INEC chairman emphasised the importance of early and constructive engagement with political parties to avoid disruptions to the electoral process. He assured PDP leaders that the Commission would be guided strictly by the Constitution, the Electoral Act and its regulations in all decisions, urging party stakeholders to engage in frank discussions to resolve their differences. Amupitan reaffirmed INEC’s commitment to continuous stakeholder dialogue, stressing that adherence to the rule of law remains central to safeguarding the integrity of Nigeria’s democratic process.
