The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has formally accused the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of displaying institutional bias. The party claims the electoral body is actively working to undermine the opposition in preparation for the 2027 general elections. This accusation was shared by Ini Ememobong, the National Publicity Secretary for the party’s Interim National Working Committee, in an official statement released this Saturday.
The dispute stems from INEC’s refusal to acknowledge the PDP’s interim leadership following a Supreme Court ruling regarding internal party management. In response, the PDP took legal action at the Federal High Court in Abuja. However, the party expressed disappointment with the subsequent court ruling, arguing it contradicts established precedents set by the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court. The PDP has now initiated an appeal to safeguard its independence, fearing the party is being pushed to become a subordinate branch of the ruling APC.
The PDP contends that INEC’s behavior during these legal challenges confirms widespread fears regarding the commission’s lack of neutrality. Specifically, the party alleges that INEC has suppressed key facts during court proceedings and disregarded party congresses that were conducted under the commission’s own oversight. The PDP asserts that these actions, coupled with the refusal to follow favorable court orders, suggest a deliberate push toward a one-party state. The party remains hopeful that the Court of Appeal will resolve the leadership impasse and uphold previous judicial decisions.
