The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has stated that it will wait for the final ruling of the Court of Appeal before taking a position on the ongoing leadership dispute within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan (SAN), disclosed this on Friday after holding a meeting with rival factions of the PDP that are both claiming national leadership of the party. The meeting took place at the commission’s headquarters in Abuja.

Those in attendance included members of the National Working Committee (NWC) led by Kabiru Turaki (SAN), alongside former party officials who are also asserting leadership claims. INEC explained that the engagement was organised to give all parties the opportunity to present their positions and to explore possible ways of resolving the internal crisis.

During the meeting, Prof. Amupitan reportedly encouraged the disputing factions to seek an amicable resolution, while acknowledging that the key issues are already before the courts. Both sides presented their arguments and confirmed that the matter is currently pending at the Court of Appeal.

At the end of the discussions, the INEC chairman emphasised that the commission is fully aware of the ongoing legal proceedings and will refrain from recognising any faction until a final judicial pronouncement is made.

Speaking after the meeting, PDP National Chairman, Kabiru Turaki, insisted that his group remains the legitimate leadership of the party, having emerged from what he described as a valid national convention, despite the outcome being challenged in court.

He said that while awaiting the court’s decision, his faction would continue to carry out the responsibilities of an opposition party by holding the government accountable on key national issues such as security, infrastructure, education, and healthcare.

The PDP has been grappling with a prolonged leadership crisis stemming from disputes over its last national convention, with rival factions laying claim to key national offices. The disagreement has resulted in several court cases and increased internal tension within the party.

As Nigeria’s main opposition party since losing power at the federal level in 2015, the leadership crisis has raised concerns among party stakeholders and political observers about its impact on party unity, electoral readiness, and its capacity to effectively challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in future elections.

INEC’s stance aligns with its long-standing policy of not recognising rival party executives when leadership disputes are under active litigation, pending a clear and final court ruling. The PDP leadership crisis therefore remains unresolved as the party awaits the decision of the Court of Appeal.