The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has accused the independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, of showing institutional bias against it and aiding efforts to weaken the opposition ahead of the 2027 general elections.The allegation was made in a statement released on Saturday by the party’s Interim National Working Committee.
It was signed by the National Publicity Secretary, *Ini Ememobong, and posted on the PDP’s official social media pages.Recognition Dispute Behind the Accusation
The PDP said the issue started after INEC refused to recognise its Interim National Working Committee, even after the party had formally notified the commission following the Supreme Court’s judgment on its leadership crisis.
To resolve it, the party dragged INEC to the Federal High Court in Abuja, asking the court to compel the commission to recognise the interim leadership.
However, the PDP expressed disappointment with the court’s ruling, calling it inconsistent with previous judgments by the Supreme Court and the Court of Appeal.The party said it has now appealed the judgment.
“We Won’t Become an Appendage of APC” According to the PDP, the legal battle is about protecting the party’s integrity.
“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 party further claimed that INEC’s conduct throughout the case has fueled doubts about its neutrality.“
The Commission’s actions have regrettably reinforced the growing public perception that it is no longer acting with the impartiality expected of the nation’s electoral umpire,” the PDP stated.
