Turaki-Led PDP Faction Accuses INEC of Bias, Rejects Exclusion of David Mark’s ADC

Factional National Chairman, Peoples Democratic Party, Tanimu Turaki.

A faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) led by former Minister Taminu Turaki has vehemently criticized the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) over its recent decision regarding candidate recognition, alleging a clear bias against the Aide-de-Camp (ADC) to former Senate President David Mark and other aspirants.

The group, in a statement released on [Day], expressed deep dissatisfaction with the electoral umpire's handling of the party's candidate list. The Turaki-led faction argued that INEC’s decision to validate the list submitted by a rival faction constitutes a disregard for due process and the rule of law.

At the heart of the dispute is the status of the candidate identified as the ADC to Senator David Mark. The faction contends that the candidate was legitimately elected during a valid primary election supervised by the appropriate party authorities. They argued that INEC’s refusal to recognize this candidate, while accepting others from a parallel list, smacks of selectivity and injustice.

“The decision by INEC to reject the duly elected candidates, including the ADC to the former Senate President, is not only unacceptable but raises serious questions about the neutrality of the commission,” the statement read in part.

The Turaki group further alleged that the commission’s actions could disenfranchise voters and create unnecessary tension in the affected constituencies. They maintained that the primaries which produced their candidates were conducted in strict compliance with the Electoral Act and the PDP constitution, unlike the processes they claim were flawed in the opposing faction.

Consequently, the faction has called for an immediate review of the commission’s decision. They urged INEC to uphold the principles of fairness by recognizing the candidates who emerged from the Turaki-led primaries, warning that failure to do so would be a disservice to the nation's democracy.

As of the time of this report, INEC has yet to issue an official response to the specific allegations raised by the Turaki-led group. Political analysts suggest this development highlights the lingering internal cracks within the major opposition party as it navigates the pre-election landscape.