The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has explained why it convened a meeting between the two rival factions of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), amid the deepening crisis within the opposition party.
INEC had on Friday invited representatives of both factions to its national headquarters in Abuja, stepping into the dispute after receiving what it described as conflicting communications from the warring sides.
Speaking at the meeting, INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, said the commission found it necessary to engage all parties involved in order to prevent the crisis from undermining electoral processes.
According to him, the decision followed a series of contradictory correspondences sent to the commission by the factions, creating uncertainty over legitimate party actions ahead of future elections.
“We felt that bringing everyone together would provide an opportunity to rub minds and chart a clear path forward with respect to the elections,” Yakubu said.
He stressed that INEC’s actions were guided strictly by the law, noting that the commission operates within three legal frameworks: the 1999 Constitution, the Electoral Act, and INEC’s own regulations.
“INEC sits on the tripod of the Constitution, the Electoral Act and the regulations we have made. We are determined to ensure full compliance with these laws in the discharge of our responsibilities,” he added.
The intervention signals INEC’s resolve to ensure clarity, legality and stability within political parties, particularly as preparations for future elections continue.
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