Rival factions of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have disclosed details of their engagement with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) over the party’s protracted internal crisis.
The meeting, held on Friday at INEC’s national headquarters in Abuja, was convened to explore pathways to resolving disputes that have split the opposition party into two camps. INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, had earlier said the engagement was aimed at finding lasting solutions to the crisis.
The PDP is currently divided between a faction led by Senator Samuel Anyanwu, who insists on retaining the position of national secretary and enjoys the backing of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, and another group led by Kabiru Turaki, supported by Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed and Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde.
Speaking after the meeting, Anyanwu commended the INEC chairman for initiating the dialogue, describing the move as a demonstration of the commission’s desire to see the PDP remain a strong opposition force.
He said INEC listened to submissions from both sides and was examining possible options to restore peace within the party. According to him, the dispute would also be subjected to deliberation by the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC).
Anyanwu attributed the crisis to personal grievances, ego, and aggression among some party stakeholders, stressing that the PDP remains committed to the rule of law, electoral regulations, and its internal guidelines. He expressed confidence that the party would emerge stronger after resolving its differences.
On his part, Turaki said his faction received an invitation from INEC late on Thursday to attend the meeting. He explained that his group initially believed the meeting was connected to an earlier request they had made but later discovered that individuals previously expelled from the party were also invited.
Turaki said INEC clarified that the engagement was part of efforts to address lingering issues within the PDP. He noted that his faction presented its perspective to the commission, which, while acknowledging that some matters were before the Court of Appeal, assured participants that their submissions would be carefully considered.
Addressing concerns about INEC engaging multiple factions, Turaki likened the situation to elders mediating a dispute, where all parties are given a hearing, regardless of the legitimacy of their claims.
He said the commission’s approach reflected a genuine attempt at reconciliation, adding that excluding any group would have undermined the process. According to him, hearing all sides was necessary to ensure fairness and transparency in efforts to resolve the party’s internal conflict.
