The internal rift within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) took a sharp turn on Tuesday, January 6, 2026, as factional National Chairman, Kabiru Tanimu Turaki, openly questioned the independence of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
The “Blocked” Candidate Scandal
Speaking following a high-profile, closed-door meeting with former President Goodluck Jonathan at his Abuja residence, Turaki alleged that INEC has deliberately “blocked” his faction from uploading the data of its governorship candidate for the upcoming Ekiti State election.
Speaking following a high-profile, closed-door meeting with former President Goodluck Jonathan at his Abuja residence, Turaki alleged that INEC has deliberately “blocked” his faction from uploading the data of its governorship candidate for the upcoming Ekiti State election.
Turaki expressed bewilderment at the Commission’s flip-flop, noting that INEC had previously monitored the faction’s primaries in both Ekiti and Osun and even provided the portal passwords.
“Somewhere along the line, INEC now blocked us from accessing the platform again to upload that data,” Turaki stated. “We have done a manual submission, which they collected, but these events raise doubt in our minds… is this present INEC leadership indeed independent?”
The Jonathan Intervention
Accompanying Turaki to the meeting were former governors, Board of Trustees (BoT) members, and founding fathers of the party. The visit was intended to brief the former President on the “Ibadan Convention” gains and the legal battles currently at the Court of Appeal.
Accompanying Turaki to the meeting were former governors, Board of Trustees (BoT) members, and founding fathers of the party. The visit was intended to brief the former President on the “Ibadan Convention” gains and the legal battles currently at the Court of Appeal.
Turaki revealed that Goodluck Jonathanreaffirmed his status as a “card-carrying member” of the PDP and promised to be more active in its affairs. According to Turaki, Jonathan remains committed to the party, stating it has “done everything for him that can be done to an individual.”
A Path to Reconciliation?
Despite the ongoing legal warfare, Turaki—a Senior Advocate of Nigeria—hinted at a window for peace. While insisting that his leadership was “dragged to court” and must defend itself, he signaled a readiness to welcome back repentant members.
Despite the ongoing legal warfare, Turaki—a Senior Advocate of Nigeria—hinted at a window for peace. While insisting that his leadership was “dragged to court” and must defend itself, he signaled a readiness to welcome back repentant members.
“Even when you win the war, you need to win the battle,” Turaki remarked. “Those that have shown remarkable remorse and are willing to be loyal party men and women, we will carry them along.”
As the PDP prepares for off-season elections in Ekiti and Osun in 2026 and the 2027 general election, Turaki maintained that the party remains the “most veritable platform” for Nigerians, promising an end to impunity and a return to “inclusive” leadership.