2027: INEC is working to weaken opposition — PDP

The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has accused the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, of institutional bias, alleging that the electoral body is working to weaken the opposition ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The allegation was contained in a statement issued on Saturday by the National Publicity Secretary of the party’s Interim National Working Committee, Ini Ememobong, and shared on the PDP’s official social media platforms.

According to the party, the accusation followed INEC’s refusal to recognise its Interim National Working Committee despite being formally notified after the Supreme Court’s judgment on the party’s leadership dispute.

The PDP said it subsequently approached the Federal High Court in Abuja, seeking an order compelling INEC to recognise the interim leadership.

However, the party expressed disappointment with the court’s decision, arguing that the ruling was inconsistent with earlier judgments delivered by the Supreme Court and the Court of Appeal.

It disclosed that it has appealed the judgment, insisting the legal action was necessary to protect the party from what it described as attempts to undermine Nigeria’s leading opposition party.

“We approached the court to preserve the integrity of the Peoples Democratic Party from those who seek to reduce Nigeria’s foremost opposition party into an appendage of the ruling party,” the statement read.

The PDP further alleged that INEC’s conduct throughout the legal proceedings had strengthened public concerns about the commission’s neutrality.

According to the party, the commission withheld material facts during court proceedings and ignored congresses conducted under its own supervision whenever those facts contradicted its position before the courts.

“The Commission’s filings, its arguments before the courts, and its refusal to comply with court orders favourable to our Party have collectively created an impression of institutional bias that should concern every Nigerian, irrespective of political affiliation,” the statement added.

The opposition party also claimed that INEC’s refusal to recognise its interim leadership forms part of a broader effort to weaken opposition parties and pave the way for what it described as a one-party state.

Despite the dispute, the PDP said it remains confident that the Court of Appeal will clarify the legal issues surrounding the leadership crisis and reaffirm the authority of earlier judgments delivered by higher courts.