The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has reaffirmed its refusal to recognise the leadership outcomes of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) National Convention reportedly held on 15–16 November 2025 by the Oyo State governor, Seyi Makinde-backed faction of the party, citing subsisting court judgments and ongoing legal proceedings.

In a letter dated December 22, 2025, and signed by the Secretary to the Commission, Dr. Rose Oriaran-Anthony, INEC confirmed that it received multiple correspondences from lawyers representing the PDP. The requests urged the Commission to recognise and upload on its website the list of national officers said to have emerged from the convention organised by the Makinde faction, which reportedly produced a Kabiru Turaki-led National Working Committee.

INEC stated that it carefully examined the requests in line with established facts, relevant provisions of the law, and binding judicial decisions directly related to the party’s leadership crisis.

According to the Commission, its position is firmly guided by existing final judgments of the Federal High Court, Abuja Division, as well as several pending cases bordering on the PDP’s internal leadership dispute.

The electoral body stressed that the existence of valid court rulings and unresolved legal processes makes it impossible for it to recognise or upload any leadership list arising from the disputed convention at this time.

INEC reiterated that it is bound by the rule of law and can only act on the basis of clear and unambiguous court orders. It added that any review of its position would depend on the resolution of the ongoing legal battles or the issuance of fresh court directives.

The Commission reassured the public of its continued commitment to neutrality, due process, and strict compliance with the Constitution and the Electoral Act in all matters concerning political parties and their internal affairs.