THE Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has firmly declined to recognise the new national leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) allegedly elected at the party’s National Convention held between 15 and 16 November 2025, citing subsisting court judgments and ongoing legal processes.
INEC’s position was conveyed in an official letter dated 22 December 2025 and signed by the Secretary to the Commission, Dr. Rose Oriaran-Anthony.
The letter, obtained by News Point Nigeria, was in response to repeated demands by lawyers representing the PDP, urging the Commission to update its website with the list of National Officers said to have emerged from the convention.
According to INEC, the requests were carefully reviewed in the light of relevant facts, applicable electoral laws, and binding judicial pronouncements directly connected to the disputed convention.
The Commission drew attention to two final judgments of the Federal High Court, Abuja Division, which it said remain valid and enforceable. The first is Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/2120/2025, Austine Nwachukwu & 2 Ors. v. INEC & 8 Ors., delivered on 31 October 2025, while the second is Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/2299/2025, Alhaji Sule Lamido v. PDP & 4 Ors., delivered on 14 November 2025.
INEC explained that both judgments expressly restrained the Commission from supervising, monitoring, recognising, or accepting the outcome of the PDP National Convention purportedly held on 15–16 November 2025, or on any other date, pending strict compliance with the orders of the court.
While acknowledging that Notices of Appeal have been filed against the judgments, the Commission stressed that the mere filing of an appeal does not amount to a stay of execution. INEC emphasised that until the judgments are set aside or formally stayed by a competent court, it is constitutionally obligated to comply with them.
Citing Section 287(3) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), INEC stated that all authorities and persons, including the Commission, are bound to enforce and give effect to the decisions of courts of competent jurisdiction.
INEC also addressed references made by the PDP to interim orders issued by the High Court of Oyo State in Suit No. I/1336/2025 – Folahan Malomo Adelabi v. PDP & Ors.
The Commission clarified that it had already been struck out of the suit on grounds of lack of jurisdiction. It further noted that, in any case, interim orders cannot override or nullify subsisting final judgments of courts of coordinate or superior jurisdiction.
The Commission further disclosed that there is yet another pending suit instituted by the PDP itself at the Federal High Court, Ibadan Division, Suit No. FHC/IB/CS/121/2025 – PDP v. INEC. In that suit, the party is seeking an order compelling INEC to recognise the National Working Committee and members of the National Executive Committee allegedly elected at the Ibadan convention for all party and electoral purposes.
Given the multiplicity of pending suits and unresolved appeals, INEC stated that granting the PDP’s request for recognition at this stage would be prejudicial, legally improper, and contrary to the rule of law.
Consequently, the Commission reaffirmed that it is unable to recognise or upload the list of National Officers said to have emerged from the PDP National Convention of 15–16 November 2025 until all pending appeals are determined and full compliance with court orders is achieved.
INEC also disclosed that these positions were clearly communicated to the PDP leadership during a meeting held at the Commission’s headquarters on Friday, 19 December 2025.
The electoral body concluded by assuring all stakeholders of its highest regard and reiterated its commitment to acting strictly within the confines of the Constitution, due process, and respect for judicial authority.