The Independent National Electoral Commission has told the leadership of the New Peoples Democratic Party that it does not recognise its existence.
Rather, INEC said that it only recognises the faction led by Alhaji Bamanga Tukur.
In a letter to the National Secretary of the Alhaji Abubakar Kawu Baraje-led nPDP, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola, INEC said that the Tukur leadership derived its legitimacy from the Special National Convention of the party, where the commission was represented.
The letter, signed by the Acting Secretary to the Commission, U.F. Usman, reads: “The commission acknowledges the receipt of your letters dated 1st and 23rd September, 2013 respectively wherein you requested for the commission’s recognition of the Baraje led faction and the newly elected National Working Committee.
“You will recall that the Commission monitored the National Convention and Special National Convention of the Peoples Democratic Party held on 24th March, 2012 and 31st August, 2013 respectively at Eagle Square, Abuja after notices to the Commission. A National Working Committee was elected at the two conventions with Alhaji Bamanga Tukur as National Chairman.
“The Commission will not withdraw recognition from the leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) elected at the elections duly monitored by the Commission.
“Please be guided.”
As at press time, the leadership of the nPDP was yet to react to the position of INEC on the issue.
The nPDP was formed as a result of disagreement over the conduct of the Special National Convention of the party.
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and seven governors of the PDP formed the parallel faction.
The governors in the nPDP are Sule Lamido (Jigawa), Musa Kwankwaso (Kano), Babangida Aliyu (Niger), Abdulfathah Ahmed (Kwara), Aliyu Wamakko (Sokoto), Rotimi Amaechi (Rivers) and Murtala Nyako (Adamawa).
Efforts are on to reconcile the two factions.
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