By Erewunmi Peace

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has stepped into the ongoing leadership crisis rocking the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), summoning the party’s rival factions for an urgent meeting in Abuja.

INEC’s intervention follows weeks of internal disputes within the opposition party, with different groups laying claim to the party’s national leadership and structures. The electoral body, in a move aimed at restoring order and ensuring compliance with electoral regulations, invited representatives of the feuding factions to its headquarters for discussions.

According to sources, the meeting is expected to address issues bordering on party leadership recognition, authenticity of party officials, and the implications of the crisis on the PDP’s participation in upcoming elections. INEC is reportedly concerned that the unresolved dispute could affect the party’s ability to field candidates and conduct valid primaries.

The PDP has been grappling with internal divisions since the conclusion of recent elections, with the crisis deepening due to disagreements among key stakeholders. Political observers believe INEC’s involvement may force the factions to seek common ground or clarify which leadership structure the commission officially recognizes.

As of the time of filing this report, the PDP leadership has yet to issue an official statement on the outcome of the meeting with INEC.