By Sabiu Abdullahi
The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has explained why it invited the two rival factions of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, to a meeting amid the leadership dispute within the party.
The Commission stepped into the internal crisis after summoning representatives of both camps to its national headquarters in Abuja on Friday. The intervention followed growing tension within the opposition party.
INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, said the decision became necessary after the electoral body received contradictory letters from the factions involved in the dispute. He noted that the conflicting communications made it important for the Commission to hear directly from all sides.
According to Amupitan, the meeting was intended to provide a platform for dialogue and clarity ahead of future electoral activities.
“We felt that by rubbing minds together, it’ll be a good opportunity for us to forge the way forward concerning the elections,” Amupitan said.
He also stressed that INEC remains guided strictly by existing laws in carrying out its duties.
“Actually, INEC sits on the tripod of three legal regimes, the Constitution, the Electoral Act and the regulations that have been made,” he said.
Amupitan further assured that the Commission would act within the limits of the law in addressing the situation.
“So we are determined to ensure that we follow the provisions of the various laws, the Constitution, and the regulations that we have made.”
The PDP has been grappling with internal disagreements, which have raised concerns about its preparedness for forthcoming elections. INEC’s move is seen as an effort to ensure order and compliance with electoral regulations as political activities intensify nationwide.