The Interim National Working Committee of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) declared on Saturday that it has lodged an appeal against a Federal High Court ruling concerning the party’s leadership and has formally submitted former President Goodluck Jonathan as its presidential candidate for the 2027 general election.
PDP Challenges Court Judgment
The interim leadership said the committee was formed after a Supreme Court judgment left the PDP without a legally recognised national authority. Following that, the Board of Trustees and a National Executive Committee, convened at members’ request, established the interim leadership and notified INEC.
When INEC allegedly refused to recognise the interim body despite receiving the notification and several reminders, the faction approached the Federal High Court in Abuja. National Publicity Secretary Ini Ememobong criticised the judgment delivered by Justice Salim Oluwasupo Ibrahim, saying it reads more like an appeal of the Supreme Court and Court of Appeal decisions and is inconsistent with those higher‑court rulings.
Ememobong added that the judgment went beyond determining whether earlier court decisions should be enforced and revisited matters already settled by superior courts. Consequently, the PDP exercised its constitutional right of appeal, expressing confidence that the Court of Appeal will clarify the issues and uphold the earlier rulings.
Accusations of INEC Bias
The PDP spokesman accused the Independent National Electoral Commission of institutional bias, claiming it has ignored or denied party congresses it previously monitored when acknowledging them would conflict with positions presented before the courts. He argued that the commission’s filings, court arguments, and refusal to comply with favourable court orders have created an impression of partiality.
He also pointed to a widely circulated image showing INEC Chairman Prof. Joash Amupitan wearing a cap bearing President Bola Tinubu’s insignia. While acknowledging the picture might be AI‑generated, Ememobong said its popularity reflects public suspicion about the commission’s neutrality.
Submission of Jonathan’s Name
Ememobong stated that, after INEC allegedly denied the party the necessary access codes for electronic submission, the PDP manually filed its candidate list in full compliance with the Electoral Act 2026. The submission was formally acknowledged by the commission.
The list includes President Goodluck Jonathan as the presidential candidate, together with the faction’s nominees for governorship, National Assembly, and state House of Assembly seats.
“Notwithstanding INEC’s refusal to provide us with the necessary access codes, we have successfully submitted, manually and in full compliance with the Electoral Act 2026, the list of candidates sponsored by the authentic Peoples Democratic Party,” Ememobong said.
Warning to INEC
The interim leadership urged INEC to exercise caution while the appeal is pending, warning that publishing candidates submitted by a rival PDP faction would deepen concerns about the commission’s neutrality and could damage public confidence in future elections.
“If the Commission proceeds to publish the names of persons other than those validly sponsored by the authentic leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party, it will only deepen public concerns regarding its neutrality,” he added.
Party’s Call to Members
The PDP urged members and supporters not to be discouraged if INEC publishes names other than those submitted by the Interim NWC. It said its candidates remain confident in the legal process and are committed to reclaiming the party from those it accuses of trying to weaken it from within.
Ememobong described the leadership dispute as part of a broader struggle to protect multi‑party democracy and prevent opposition parties from being captured by the ruling party.
“Electoral authoritarianism is fundamentally incompatible with democratic consolidation,” he said. “It reduces elections to mere rituals rather than genuine expressions of the people’s sovereign will.”
The faction pledged to continue pursuing constitutional, legal, and democratic means to secure recognition for its leadership and candidates, concluding with the remark, “With God on our side, victory is certain, even if it is delayed.”
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