A faction of the Peoples Democratic Party on Friday said it had validly submitted former President Goodluck Jonathan as its presidential candidate for the 2027 general election despite the ongoing leadership dispute within the party.The faction, led by former Minister of Special Duties and Inter-Governmental Affairs, Tanimu Turaki, also accused the Independent National Electoral Commission of institutional bias and attempting to undermine its credibility.The party, through its Interim National Working Committee, warned that any attempt by the electoral commission to publish candidates submitted by any group other than the one it described as the “authentic leadership” of the PDP would further damage public confidence in the neutrality of the electoral umpire.Addressing journalists in Abuja on Friday, the National Publicity Secretary of the Interim National Working Committee, Ini Ememobong, said the party remained confident that the Court of Appeal would overturn a recent Federal High Court judgment which declined to compel INEC to recognise the interim leadership.According to him, the PDP resorted to litigation after INEC allegedly refused to recognise the interim leadership constituted by the party’s Board of Trustees and a member-requisitioned National Executive Committee following the Supreme Court judgment that, according to the party, left it without a legally recognised National Working Committee.“Our decision to seek judicial intervention was, and remains, about preserving the integrity of the Peoples Democratic Party from those who seek to reduce Nigeria’s foremost opposition party into an appendage of the ruling party,” Ememobong said.He alleged that the campaign against the PDP was part of a broader effort to weaken opposition parties and pave the way for a one-party state.“We were the pioneer target for opposition dismantling and capture as part of the pressure for the attainment of a one-party state, but it has now spread to almost all the opposition parties,” he stated.The PDP spokesman disclosed that despite INEC’s refusal to provide the party with access codes for the electronic submission of candidates, the party manually submitted its list of candidates in compliance with the Electoral Act 2026.He noted that the party’s submission included “our presidential candidate, President Goodluck Jonathan, as well as all Governorship, National Assembly and State Assembly candidates.“Notwithstanding INEC’s refusal to provide us with the necessary access codes—which is an administrative convenience rather than a legal requirement—we have successfully submitted, manually and in full compliance with the Electoral Act 2026, the list of candidates sponsored by the authentic Peoples Democratic Party.”The party expressed concern that INEC might publish the names of candidates submitted by another faction and urged its members not to lose hope should that happen.“Should the Commission publish names other than those lawfully submitted by us, we urge our members, supporters and the teeming Nigerians who eagerly await the candidature of President Jonathan and our other candidates not to despair. We are exhausting every constitutional, legal and democratic avenue to ensure that our Party is not hijacked or annexed to the ruling party,” Ememobong said.The interim leadership also questioned the conduct of INEC throughout the legal dispute, accusing the commission of failing to act as an impartial electoral umpire.Related News2027: Public inspection of candidates’ credentials begins Saturday in Lagos – INECFubara’s emergence as Rivers governor contentious, says Tonye ColeI know who I be, Adeleke references Davido’s ‘Oriadé’ tracks in campaign“The Commission’s actions have regrettably reinforced the growing public perception that it is no longer acting with the impartiality expected of the nation’s electoral umpire,” he added.According to him, the commission withheld material facts in court proceedings involving the PDP and ignored congresses it had monitored, actions he claimed influenced judicial outcomes against the party.Ememobong further criticised the Federal High Court judgment delivered by Justice Salim Oluwasupo Ibrahim, arguing that it departed from earlier decisions of the Supreme Court and the Court of Appeal.He disclosed that the party had already appealed the judgment and also raised concerns over what it described as discrepancies between the judgment delivered in open court and its Certified True Copy.“It is equally important to note that the Certified True Copy of the judgment was released after considerable delay. More significantly, the Certified True Copy did not fully reflect portions of the judgment as delivered in open court. This development raises legitimate concerns, which will also be addressed through the appropriate legal processes,” he stated.The PDP called on the electoral umpire to exercise restraint pending the determination of the appeal, insisting that doing otherwise would deepen suspicions about the commission’s neutrality.“We sincerely hope that INEC will adopt this prudent course. If, however, the Commission proceeds to publish the names of persons other than those validly sponsored by the authentic leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party, it will only deepen public concerns regarding its neutrality,” it added.The party maintained that the struggle was about protecting Nigeria’s democracy rather than merely resolving an internal leadership dispute.“Electoral authoritarianism is fundamentally incompatible with democratic consolidation. It reduces elections to mere rituals rather than genuine expressions of the people’s sovereign will.”Expressing confidence in the eventual outcome of the legal battle, Ememobong concluded, “With God on our side, victory is certain, even if it is delayed. We remain willing and prepared to endure to the very end.”The PDP has been embroiled in a prolonged leadership crisis that intensified after judicial pronouncements affecting its National Working Committee. Following the Supreme Court decision, the party’s Board of Trustees and a member-requisitioned National Executive Committee announced an Interim National Working Committee to administer the party pending the resolution of the dispute.However, INEC has yet to recognise the interim leadership, prompting the party to institute legal action at the Federal High Court. Following an unfavourable ruling, the PDP appealed to the Court of Appeal while proceeding to submit its candidates manually for the 2027 general elections.The development comes as political parties conclude the nomination of candidates ahead of the 2027 polls, with INEC expected to publish the final lists of candidates in accordance with the Electoral Act and the electoral timetable. The faction, led by former Minister of Special Duties and Inter-Governmental Affairs, Tanimu Turaki, also accused the Independent National Electoral Commission of institutional bias and attempting to undermine its credibility.The party, through its Interim National Working Committee, warned that any attempt by the electoral commission to publish candidates submitted by any group other than the one it described as the “authentic leadership” of the PDP would further damage public confidence in the neutrality of the electoral umpire.Addressing journalists in Abuja on Friday, the National Publicity Secretary of the Interim National Working Committee, Ini Ememobong, said the party remained confident that the Court of Appeal would overturn a recent Federal High Court judgment which declined to compel INEC to recognise the interim leadership.According to him, the PDP resorted to litigation after INEC allegedly refused to recognise the interim leadership constituted by the party’s Board of Trustees and a member-requisitioned National Executive Committee following the Supreme Court judgment that, according to the party, left it without a legally recognised National Working Committee.“Our decision to seek judicial intervention was, and remains, about preserving the integrity of the Peoples Democratic Party from those who seek to reduce Nigeria’s foremost opposition party into an appendage of the ruling party,” Ememobong said.He alleged that the campaign against the PDP was part of a broader effort to weaken opposition parties and pave the way for a one-party state.“We were the pioneer target for opposition dismantling and capture as part of the pressure for the attainment of a one-party state, but it has now spread to almost all the opposition parties,” he stated.The PDP spokesman disclosed that despite INEC’s refusal to provide the party with access codes for the electronic submission of candidates, the party manually submitted its list of candidates in compliance with the Electoral Act 2026.He noted that the party’s submission included “our presidential candidate, President Goodluck Jonathan, as well as all Governorship, National Assembly and State Assembly candidates.“Notwithstanding INEC’s refusal to provide us with the necessary access codes—which is an administrative convenience rather than a legal requirement—we have successfully submitted, manually and in full compliance with the Electoral Act 2026, the list of candidates sponsored by the authentic Peoples Democratic Party.”The party expressed concern that INEC might publish the names of candidates submitted by another faction and urged its members not to lose hope should that happen.“Should the Commission publish names other than those lawfully submitted by us, we urge our members, supporters and the teeming Nigerians who eagerly await the candidature of President Jonathan and our other candidates not to despair. We are exhausting every constitutional, legal and democratic avenue to ensure that our Party is not hijacked or annexed to the ruling party,” Ememobong said.The interim leadership also questioned the conduct of INEC throughout the legal dispute, accusing the commission of failing to act as an impartial electoral umpire.Related News2027: Public inspection of candidates’ credentials begins Saturday in Lagos – INECFubara’s emergence as Rivers governor contentious, says Tonye ColeI know who I be, Adeleke references Davido’s ‘Oriadé’ tracks in campaign“The Commission’s actions have regrettably reinforced the growing public perception that it is no longer acting with the impartiality expected of the nation’s electoral umpire,” he added.According to him, the commission withheld material facts in court proceedings involving the PDP and ignored congresses it had monitored, actions he claimed influenced judicial outcomes against the party.Ememobong further criticised the Federal High Court judgment delivered by Justice Salim Oluwasupo Ibrahim, arguing that it departed from earlier decisions of the Supreme Court and the Court of Appeal.He disclosed that the party had already appealed the judgment and also raised concerns over what it described as discrepancies between the judgment delivered in open court and its Certified True Copy.“It is equally important to note that the Certified True Copy of the judgment was released after considerable delay. More significantly, the Certified True Copy did not fully reflect portions of the judgment as delivered in open court. This development raises legitimate concerns, which will also be addressed through the appropriate legal processes,” he stated.The PDP called on the electoral umpire to exercise restraint pending the determination of the appeal, insisting that doing otherwise would deepen suspicions about the commission’s neutrality.“We sincerely hope that INEC will adopt this prudent course. If, however, the Commission proceeds to publish the names of persons other than those validly sponsored by the authentic leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party, it will only deepen public concerns regarding its neutrality,” it added.The party maintained that the struggle was about protecting Nigeria’s democracy rather than merely resolving an internal leadership dispute.“Electoral authoritarianism is fundamentally incompatible with democratic consolidation. It reduces elections to mere rituals rather than genuine expressions of the people’s sovereign will.”Expressing confidence in the eventual outcome of the legal battle, Ememobong concluded, “With God on our side, victory is certain, even if it is delayed. We remain willing and prepared to endure to the very end.”The PDP has been embroiled in a prolonged leadership crisis that intensified after judicial pronouncements affecting its National Working Committee. Following the Supreme Court decision, the party’s Board of Trustees and a member-requisitioned National Executive Committee announced an Interim National Working Committee to administer the party pending the resolution of the dispute.However, INEC has yet to recognise the interim leadership, prompting the party to institute legal action at the Federal High Court. Following an unfavourable ruling, the PDP appealed to the Court of Appeal while proceeding to submit its candidates manually for the 2027 general elections.The development comes as political parties conclude the nomination of candidates ahead of the 2027 polls, with INEC expected to publish the final lists of candidates in accordance with the Electoral Act and the electoral timetable. The party, through its Interim National Working Committee, warned that any attempt by the electoral commission to publish candidates submitted by any group other than the one it described as the “authentic leadership” of the PDP would further damage public confidence in the neutrality of the electoral umpire.Addressing journalists in Abuja on Friday, the National Publicity Secretary of the Interim National Working Committee, Ini Ememobong, said the party remained confident that the Court of Appeal would overturn a recent Federal High Court judgment which declined to compel INEC to recognise the interim leadership.According to him, the PDP resorted to litigation after INEC allegedly refused to recognise the interim leadership constituted by the party’s Board of Trustees and a member-requisitioned National Executive Committee following the Supreme Court judgment that, according to the party, left it without a legally recognised National Working Committee.“Our decision to seek judicial intervention was, and remains, about preserving the integrity of the Peoples Democratic Party from those who seek to reduce Nigeria’s foremost opposition party into an appendage of the ruling party,” Ememobong said.He alleged that the campaign against the PDP was part of a broader effort to weaken opposition parties and pave the way for a one-party state.“We were the pioneer target for opposition dismantling and capture as part of the pressure for the attainment of a one-party state, but it has now spread to almost all the opposition parties,” he stated.The PDP spokesman disclosed that despite INEC’s refusal to provide the party with access codes for the electronic submission of candidates, the party manually submitted its list of candidates in compliance with the Electoral Act 2026.He noted that the party’s submission included “our presidential candidate, President Goodluck Jonathan, as well as all Governorship, National Assembly and State Assembly candidates.“Notwithstanding INEC’s refusal to provide us with the necessary access codes—which is an administrative convenience rather than a legal requirement—we have successfully submitted, manually and in full compliance with the Electoral Act 2026, the list of candidates sponsored by the authentic Peoples Democratic Party.”The party expressed concern that INEC might publish the names of candidates submitted by another faction and urged its members not to lose hope should that happen.“Should the Commission publish names other than those lawfully submitted by us, we urge our members, supporters and the teeming Nigerians who eagerly await the candidature of President Jonathan and our other candidates not to despair. We are exhausting every constitutional, legal and democratic avenue to ensure that our Party is not hijacked or annexed to the ruling party,” Ememobong said.The interim leadership also questioned the conduct of INEC throughout the legal dispute, accusing the commission of failing to act as an impartial electoral umpire.Related News2027: Public inspection of candidates’ credentials begins Saturday in Lagos – INECFubara’s emergence as Rivers governor contentious, says Tonye ColeI know who I be, Adeleke references Davido’s ‘Oriadé’ tracks in campaign“The Commission’s actions have regrettably reinforced the growing public perception that it is no longer acting with the impartiality expected of the nation’s electoral umpire,” he added.According to him, the commission withheld material facts in court proceedings involving the PDP and ignored congresses it had monitored, actions he claimed influenced judicial outcomes against the party.Ememobong further criticised the Federal High Court judgment delivered by Justice Salim Oluwasupo Ibrahim, arguing that it departed from earlier decisions of the Supreme Court and the Court of Appeal.He disclosed that the party had already appealed the judgment and also raised concerns over what it described as discrepancies between the judgment delivered in open court and its Certified True Copy.“It is equally important to note that the Certified True Copy of the judgment was released after considerable delay. More significantly, the Certified True Copy did not fully reflect portions of the judgment as delivered in open court. This development raises legitimate concerns, which will also be addressed through the appropriate legal processes,” he stated.The PDP called on the electoral umpire to exercise restraint pending the determination of the appeal, insisting that doing otherwise would deepen suspicions about the commission’s neutrality.“We sincerely hope that INEC will adopt this prudent course. If, however, the Commission proceeds to publish the names of persons other than those validly sponsored by the authentic leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party, it will only deepen public concerns regarding its neutrality,” it added.The party maintained that the struggle was about protecting Nigeria’s democracy rather than merely resolving an internal leadership dispute.“Electoral authoritarianism is fundamentally incompatible with democratic consolidation. It reduces elections to mere rituals rather than genuine expressions of the people’s sovereign will.”Expressing confidence in the eventual outcome of the legal battle, Ememobong concluded, “With God on our side, victory is certain, even if it is delayed. We remain willing and prepared to endure to the very end.”The PDP has been embroiled in a prolonged leadership crisis that intensified after judicial pronouncements affecting its National Working Committee. Following the Supreme Court decision, the party’s Board of Trustees and a member-requisitioned National Executive Committee announced an Interim National Working Committee to administer the party pending the resolution of the dispute.However, INEC has yet to recognise the interim leadership, prompting the party to institute legal action at the Federal High Court. Following an unfavourable ruling, the PDP appealed to the Court of Appeal while proceeding to submit its candidates manually for the 2027 general elections.The development comes as political parties conclude the nomination of candidates ahead of the 2027 polls, with INEC expected to publish the final lists of candidates in accordance with the Electoral Act and the electoral timetable. Addressing journalists in Abuja on Friday, the National Publicity Secretary of the Interim National Working Committee, Ini Ememobong, said the party remained confident that the Court of Appeal would overturn a recent Federal High Court judgment which declined to compel INEC to recognise the interim leadership.According to him, the PDP resorted to litigation after INEC allegedly refused to recognise the interim leadership constituted by the party’s Board of Trustees and a member-requisitioned National Executive Committee following the Supreme Court judgment that, according to the party, left it without a legally recognised National Working Committee.“Our decision to seek judicial intervention was, and remains, about preserving the integrity of the Peoples Democratic Party from those who seek to reduce Nigeria’s foremost opposition party into an appendage of the ruling party,” Ememobong said.He alleged that the campaign against the PDP was part of a broader effort to weaken opposition parties and pave the way for a one-party state.“We were the pioneer target for opposition dismantling and capture as part of the pressure for the attainment of a one-party state, but it has now spread to almost all the opposition parties,” he stated.The PDP spokesman disclosed that despite INEC’s refusal to provide the party with access codes for the electronic submission of candidates, the party manually submitted its list of candidates in compliance with the Electoral Act 2026.He noted that the party’s submission included “our presidential candidate, President Goodluck Jonathan, as well as all Governorship, National Assembly and State Assembly candidates.“Notwithstanding INEC’s refusal to provide us with the necessary access codes—which is an administrative convenience rather than a legal requirement—we have successfully submitted, manually and in full compliance with the Electoral Act 2026, the list of candidates sponsored by the authentic Peoples Democratic Party.”The party expressed concern that INEC might publish the names of candidates submitted by another faction and urged its members not to lose hope should that happen.“Should the Commission publish names other than those lawfully submitted by us, we urge our members, supporters and the teeming Nigerians who eagerly await the candidature of President Jonathan and our other candidates not to despair. We are exhausting every constitutional, legal and democratic avenue to ensure that our Party is not hijacked or annexed to the ruling party,” Ememobong said.The interim leadership also questioned the conduct of INEC throughout the legal dispute, accusing the commission of failing to act as an impartial electoral umpire.Related News2027: Public inspection of candidates’ credentials begins Saturday in Lagos – INECFubara’s emergence as Rivers governor contentious, says Tonye ColeI know who I be, Adeleke references Davido’s ‘Oriadé’ tracks in campaign“The Commission’s actions have regrettably reinforced the growing public perception that it is no longer acting with the impartiality expected of the nation’s electoral umpire,” he added.According to him, the commission withheld material facts in court proceedings involving the PDP and ignored congresses it had monitored, actions he claimed influenced judicial outcomes against the party.Ememobong further criticised the Federal High Court judgment delivered by Justice Salim Oluwasupo Ibrahim, arguing that it departed from earlier decisions of the Supreme Court and the Court of Appeal.He disclosed that the party had already appealed the judgment and also raised concerns over what it described as discrepancies between the judgment delivered in open court and its Certified True Copy.“It is equally important to note that the Certified True Copy of the judgment was released after considerable delay. More significantly, the Certified True Copy did not fully reflect portions of the judgment as delivered in open court. This development raises legitimate concerns, which will also be addressed through the appropriate legal processes,” he stated.The PDP called on the electoral umpire to exercise restraint pending the determination of the appeal, insisting that doing otherwise would deepen suspicions about the commission’s neutrality.“We sincerely hope that INEC will adopt this prudent course. If, however, the Commission proceeds to publish the names of persons other than those validly sponsored by the authentic leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party, it will only deepen public concerns regarding its neutrality,” it added.The party maintained that the struggle was about protecting Nigeria’s democracy rather than merely resolving an internal leadership dispute.“Electoral authoritarianism is fundamentally incompatible with democratic consolidation. It reduces elections to mere rituals rather than genuine expressions of the people’s sovereign will.”Expressing confidence in the eventual outcome of the legal battle, Ememobong concluded, “With God on our side, victory is certain, even if it is delayed. We remain willing and prepared to endure to the very end.”The PDP has been embroiled in a prolonged leadership crisis that intensified after judicial pronouncements affecting its National Working Committee. Following the Supreme Court decision, the party’s Board of Trustees and a member-requisitioned National Executive Committee announced an Interim National Working Committee to administer the party pending the resolution of the dispute.However, INEC has yet to recognise the interim leadership, prompting the party to institute legal action at the Federal High Court. Following an unfavourable ruling, the PDP appealed to the Court of Appeal while proceeding to submit its candidates manually for the 2027 general elections.The development comes as political parties conclude the nomination of candidates ahead of the 2027 polls, with INEC expected to publish the final lists of candidates in accordance with the Electoral Act and the electoral timetable. According to him, the PDP resorted to litigation after INEC allegedly refused to recognise the interim leadership constituted by the party’s Board of Trustees and a member-requisitioned National Executive Committee following the Supreme Court judgment that, according to the party, left it without a legally recognised National Working Committee.“Our decision to seek judicial intervention was, and remains, about preserving the integrity of the Peoples Democratic Party from those who seek to reduce Nigeria’s foremost opposition party into an appendage of the ruling party,” Ememobong said.He alleged that the campaign against the PDP was part of a broader effort to weaken opposition parties and pave the way for a one-party state.“We were the pioneer target for opposition dismantling and capture as part of the pressure for the attainment of a one-party state, but it has now spread to almost all the opposition parties,” he stated.The PDP spokesman disclosed that despite INEC’s refusal to provide the party with access codes for the electronic submission of candidates, the party manually submitted its list of candidates in compliance with the Electoral Act 2026.He noted that the party’s submission included “our presidential candidate, President Goodluck Jonathan, as well as all Governorship, National Assembly and State Assembly candidates.“Notwithstanding INEC’s refusal to provide us with the necessary access codes—which is an administrative convenience rather than a legal requirement—we have successfully submitted, manually and in full compliance with the Electoral Act 2026, the list of candidates sponsored by the authentic Peoples Democratic Party.”The party expressed concern that INEC might publish the names of candidates submitted by another faction and urged its members not to lose hope should that happen.“Should the Commission publish names other than those lawfully submitted by us, we urge our members, supporters and the teeming Nigerians who eagerly await the candidature of President Jonathan and our other candidates not to despair. We are exhausting every constitutional, legal and democratic avenue to ensure that our Party is not hijacked or annexed to the ruling party,” Ememobong said.The interim leadership also questioned the conduct of INEC throughout the legal dispute, accusing the commission of failing to act as an impartial electoral umpire.Related News2027: Public inspection of candidates’ credentials begins Saturday in Lagos – INECFubara’s emergence as Rivers governor contentious, says Tonye ColeI know who I be, Adeleke references Davido’s ‘Oriadé’ tracks in campaign“The Commission’s actions have regrettably reinforced the growing public perception that it is no longer acting with the impartiality expected of the nation’s electoral umpire,” he added.According to him, the commission withheld material facts in court proceedings involving the PDP and ignored congresses it had monitored, actions he claimed influenced judicial outcomes against the party.Ememobong further criticised the Federal High Court judgment delivered by Justice Salim Oluwasupo Ibrahim, arguing that it departed from earlier decisions of the Supreme Court and the Court of Appeal.He disclosed that the party had already appealed the judgment and also raised concerns over what it described as discrepancies between the judgment delivered in open court and its Certified True Copy.“It is equally important to note that the Certified True Copy of the judgment was released after considerable delay. More significantly, the Certified True Copy did not fully reflect portions of the judgment as delivered in open court. This development raises legitimate concerns, which will also be addressed through the appropriate legal processes,” he stated.The PDP called on the electoral umpire to exercise restraint pending the determination of the appeal, insisting that doing otherwise would deepen suspicions about the commission’s neutrality.“We sincerely hope that INEC will adopt this prudent course. If, however, the Commission proceeds to publish the names of persons other than those validly sponsored by the authentic leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party, it will only deepen public concerns regarding its neutrality,” it added.The party maintained that the struggle was about protecting Nigeria’s democracy rather than merely resolving an internal leadership dispute.“Electoral authoritarianism is fundamentally incompatible with democratic consolidation. It reduces elections to mere rituals rather than genuine expressions of the people’s sovereign will.”Expressing confidence in the eventual outcome of the legal battle, Ememobong concluded, “With God on our side, victory is certain, even if it is delayed. We remain willing and prepared to endure to the very end.”The PDP has been embroiled in a prolonged leadership crisis that intensified after judicial pronouncements affecting its National Working Committee. Following the Supreme Court decision, the party’s Board of Trustees and a member-requisitioned National Executive Committee announced an Interim National Working Committee to administer the party pending the resolution of the dispute.However, INEC has yet to recognise the interim leadership, prompting the party to institute legal action at the Federal High Court. Following an unfavourable ruling, the PDP appealed to the Court of Appeal while proceeding to submit its candidates manually for the 2027 general elections.The development comes as political parties conclude the nomination of candidates ahead of the 2027 polls, with INEC expected to publish the final lists of candidates in accordance with the Electoral Act and the electoral timetable. “Our decision to seek judicial intervention was, and remains, about preserving the integrity of the Peoples Democratic Party from those who seek to reduce Nigeria’s foremost opposition party into an appendage of the ruling party,” Ememobong said.He alleged that the campaign against the PDP was part of a broader effort to weaken opposition parties and pave the way for a one-party state.“We were the pioneer target for opposition dismantling and capture as part of the pressure for the attainment of a one-party state, but it has now spread to almost all the opposition parties,” he stated.The PDP spokesman disclosed that despite INEC’s refusal to provide the party with access codes for the electronic submission of candidates, the party manually submitted its list of candidates in compliance with the Electoral Act 2026.He noted that the party’s submission included “our presidential candidate, President Goodluck Jonathan, as well as all Governorship, National Assembly and State Assembly candidates.“Notwithstanding INEC’s refusal to provide us with the necessary access codes—which is an administrative convenience rather than a legal requirement—we have successfully submitted, manually and in full compliance with the Electoral Act 2026, the list of candidates sponsored by the authentic Peoples Democratic Party.”The party expressed concern that INEC might publish the names of candidates submitted by another faction and urged its members not to lose hope should that happen.“Should the Commission publish names other than those lawfully submitted by us, we urge our members, supporters and the teeming Nigerians who eagerly await the candidature of President Jonathan and our other candidates not to despair. We are exhausting every constitutional, legal and democratic avenue to ensure that our Party is not hijacked or annexed to the ruling party,” Ememobong said.The interim leadership also questioned the conduct of INEC throughout the legal dispute, accusing the commission of failing to act as an impartial electoral umpire.Related News2027: Public inspection of candidates’ credentials begins Saturday in Lagos – INECFubara’s emergence as Rivers governor contentious, says Tonye ColeI know who I be, Adeleke references Davido’s ‘Oriadé’ tracks in campaign“The Commission’s actions have regrettably reinforced the growing public perception that it is no longer acting with the impartiality expected of the nation’s electoral umpire,” he added.According to him, the commission withheld material facts in court proceedings involving the PDP and ignored congresses it had monitored, actions he claimed influenced judicial outcomes against the party.Ememobong further criticised the Federal High Court judgment delivered by Justice Salim Oluwasupo Ibrahim, arguing that it departed from earlier decisions of the Supreme Court and the Court of Appeal.He disclosed that the party had already appealed the judgment and also raised concerns over what it described as discrepancies between the judgment delivered in open court and its Certified True Copy.“It is equally important to note that the Certified True Copy of the judgment was released after considerable delay. More significantly, the Certified True Copy did not fully reflect portions of the judgment as delivered in open court. This development raises legitimate concerns, which will also be addressed through the appropriate legal processes,” he stated.The PDP called on the electoral umpire to exercise restraint pending the determination of the appeal, insisting that doing otherwise would deepen suspicions about the commission’s neutrality.“We sincerely hope that INEC will adopt this prudent course. If, however, the Commission proceeds to publish the names of persons other than those validly sponsored by the authentic leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party, it will only deepen public concerns regarding its neutrality,” it added.The party maintained that the struggle was about protecting Nigeria’s democracy rather than merely resolving an internal leadership dispute.“Electoral authoritarianism is fundamentally incompatible with democratic consolidation. It reduces elections to mere rituals rather than genuine expressions of the people’s sovereign will.”Expressing confidence in the eventual outcome of the legal battle, Ememobong concluded, “With God on our side, victory is certain, even if it is delayed. We remain willing and prepared to endure to the very end.”The PDP has been embroiled in a prolonged leadership crisis that intensified after judicial pronouncements affecting its National Working Committee. Following the Supreme Court decision, the party’s Board of Trustees and a member-requisitioned National Executive Committee announced an Interim National Working Committee to administer the party pending the resolution of the dispute.However, INEC has yet to recognise the interim leadership, prompting the party to institute legal action at the Federal High Court. Following an unfavourable ruling, the PDP appealed to the Court of Appeal while proceeding to submit its candidates manually for the 2027 general elections.The development comes as political parties conclude the nomination of candidates ahead of the 2027 polls, with INEC expected to publish the final lists of candidates in accordance with the Electoral Act and the electoral timetable. He alleged that the campaign against the PDP was part of a broader effort to weaken opposition parties and pave the way for a one-party state.“We were the pioneer target for opposition dismantling and capture as part of the pressure for the attainment of a one-party state, but it has now spread to almost all the opposition parties,” he stated.The PDP spokesman disclosed that despite INEC’s refusal to provide the party with access codes for the electronic submission of candidates, the party manually submitted its list of candidates in compliance with the Electoral Act 2026.He noted that the party’s submission included “our presidential candidate, President Goodluck Jonathan, as well as all Governorship, National Assembly and State Assembly candidates.“Notwithstanding INEC’s refusal to provide us with the necessary access codes—which is an administrative convenience rather than a legal requirement—we have successfully submitted, manually and in full compliance with the Electoral Act 2026, the list of candidates sponsored by the authentic Peoples Democratic Party.”The party expressed concern that INEC might publish the names of candidates submitted by another faction and urged its members not to lose hope should that happen.“Should the Commission publish names other than those lawfully submitted by us, we urge our members, supporters and the teeming Nigerians who eagerly await the candidature of President Jonathan and our other candidates not to despair. We are exhausting every constitutional, legal and democratic avenue to ensure that our Party is not hijacked or annexed to the ruling party,” Ememobong said.The interim leadership also questioned the conduct of INEC throughout the legal dispute, accusing the commission of failing to act as an impartial electoral umpire.Related News2027: Public inspection of candidates’ credentials begins Saturday in Lagos – INECFubara’s emergence as Rivers governor contentious, says Tonye ColeI know who I be, Adeleke references Davido’s ‘Oriadé’ tracks in campaign“The Commission’s actions have regrettably reinforced the growing public perception that it is no longer acting with the impartiality expected of the nation’s electoral umpire,” he added.According to him, the commission withheld material facts in court proceedings involving the PDP and ignored congresses it had monitored, actions he claimed influenced judicial outcomes against the party.Ememobong further criticised the Federal High Court judgment delivered by Justice Salim Oluwasupo Ibrahim, arguing that it departed from earlier decisions of the Supreme Court and the Court of Appeal.He disclosed that the party had already appealed the judgment and also raised concerns over what it described as discrepancies between the judgment delivered in open court and its Certified True Copy.“It is equally important to note that the Certified True Copy of the judgment was released after considerable delay. More significantly, the Certified True Copy did not fully reflect portions of the judgment as delivered in open court. This development raises legitimate concerns, which will also be addressed through the appropriate legal processes,” he stated.The PDP called on the electoral umpire to exercise restraint pending the determination of the appeal, insisting that doing otherwise would deepen suspicions about the commission’s neutrality.“We sincerely hope that INEC will adopt this prudent course. If, however, the Commission proceeds to publish the names of persons other than those validly sponsored by the authentic leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party, it will only deepen public concerns regarding its neutrality,” it added.The party maintained that the struggle was about protecting Nigeria’s democracy rather than merely resolving an internal leadership dispute.“Electoral authoritarianism is fundamentally incompatible with democratic consolidation. It reduces elections to mere rituals rather than genuine expressions of the people’s sovereign will.”Expressing confidence in the eventual outcome of the legal battle, Ememobong concluded, “With God on our side, victory is certain, even if it is delayed. We remain willing and prepared to endure to the very end.”The PDP has been embroiled in a prolonged leadership crisis that intensified after judicial pronouncements affecting its National Working Committee. Following the Supreme Court decision, the party’s Board of Trustees and a member-requisitioned National Executive Committee announced an Interim National Working Committee to administer the party pending the resolution of the dispute.However, INEC has yet to recognise the interim leadership, prompting the party to institute legal action at the Federal High Court. Following an unfavourable ruling, the PDP appealed to the Court of Appeal while proceeding to submit its candidates manually for the 2027 general elections.The development comes as political parties conclude the nomination of candidates ahead of the 2027 polls, with INEC expected to publish the final lists of candidates in accordance with the Electoral Act and the electoral timetable. “We were the pioneer target for opposition dismantling and capture as part of the pressure for the attainment of a one-party state, but it has now spread to almost all the opposition parties,” he stated.The PDP spokesman disclosed that despite INEC’s refusal to provide the party with access codes for the electronic submission of candidates, the party manually submitted its list of candidates in compliance with the Electoral Act 2026.He noted that the party’s submission included “our presidential candidate, President Goodluck Jonathan, as well as all Governorship, National Assembly and State Assembly candidates.“Notwithstanding INEC’s refusal to provide us with the necessary access codes—which is an administrative convenience rather than a legal requirement—we have successfully submitted, manually and in full compliance with the Electoral Act 2026, the list of candidates sponsored by the authentic Peoples Democratic Party.”The party expressed concern that INEC might publish the names of candidates submitted by another faction and urged its members not to lose hope should that happen.“Should the Commission publish names other than those lawfully submitted by us, we urge our members, supporters and the teeming Nigerians who eagerly await the candidature of President Jonathan and our other candidates not to despair. We are exhausting every constitutional, legal and democratic avenue to ensure that our Party is not hijacked or annexed to the ruling party,” Ememobong said.The interim leadership also questioned the conduct of INEC throughout the legal dispute, accusing the commission of failing to act as an impartial electoral umpire.Related News2027: Public inspection of candidates’ credentials begins Saturday in Lagos – INECFubara’s emergence as Rivers governor contentious, says Tonye ColeI know who I be, Adeleke references Davido’s ‘Oriadé’ tracks in campaign“The Commission’s actions have regrettably reinforced the growing public perception that it is no longer acting with the impartiality expected of the nation’s electoral umpire,” he added.According to him, the commission withheld material facts in court proceedings involving the PDP and ignored congresses it had monitored, actions he claimed influenced judicial outcomes against the party.Ememobong further criticised the Federal High Court judgment delivered by Justice Salim Oluwasupo Ibrahim, arguing that it departed from earlier decisions of the Supreme Court and the Court of Appeal.He disclosed that the party had already appealed the judgment and also raised concerns over what it described as discrepancies between the judgment delivered in open court and its Certified True Copy.“It is equally important to note that the Certified True Copy of the judgment was released after considerable delay. More significantly, the Certified True Copy did not fully reflect portions of the judgment as delivered in open court. This development raises legitimate concerns, which will also be addressed through the appropriate legal processes,” he stated.The PDP called on the electoral umpire to exercise restraint pending the determination of the appeal, insisting that doing otherwise would deepen suspicions about the commission’s neutrality.“We sincerely hope that INEC will adopt this prudent course. If, however, the Commission proceeds to publish the names of persons other than those validly sponsored by the authentic leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party, it will only deepen public concerns regarding its neutrality,” it added.The party maintained that the struggle was about protecting Nigeria’s democracy rather than merely resolving an internal leadership dispute.“Electoral authoritarianism is fundamentally incompatible with democratic consolidation. It reduces elections to mere rituals rather than genuine expressions of the people’s sovereign will.”Expressing confidence in the eventual outcome of the legal battle, Ememobong concluded, “With God on our side, victory is certain, even if it is delayed. We remain willing and prepared to endure to the very end.”The PDP has been embroiled in a prolonged leadership crisis that intensified after judicial pronouncements affecting its National Working Committee. Following the Supreme Court decision, the party’s Board of Trustees and a member-requisitioned National Executive Committee announced an Interim National Working Committee to administer the party pending the resolution of the dispute.However, INEC has yet to recognise the interim leadership, prompting the party to institute legal action at the Federal High Court. Following an unfavourable ruling, the PDP appealed to the Court of Appeal while proceeding to submit its candidates manually for the 2027 general elections.The development comes as political parties conclude the nomination of candidates ahead of the 2027 polls, with INEC expected to publish the final lists of candidates in accordance with the Electoral Act and the electoral timetable. The PDP spokesman disclosed that despite INEC’s refusal to provide the party with access codes for the electronic submission of candidates, the party manually submitted its list of candidates in compliance with the Electoral Act 2026.He noted that the party’s submission included “our presidential candidate, President Goodluck Jonathan, as well as all Governorship, National Assembly and State Assembly candidates.“Notwithstanding INEC’s refusal to provide us with the necessary access codes—which is an administrative convenience rather than a legal requirement—we have successfully submitted, manually and in full compliance with the Electoral Act 2026, the list of candidates sponsored by the authentic Peoples Democratic Party.”The party expressed concern that INEC might publish the names of candidates submitted by another faction and urged its members not to lose hope should that happen.“Should the Commission publish names other than those lawfully submitted by us, we urge our members, supporters and the teeming Nigerians who eagerly await the candidature of President Jonathan and our other candidates not to despair. We are exhausting every constitutional, legal and democratic avenue to ensure that our Party is not hijacked or annexed to the ruling party,” Ememobong said.The interim leadership also questioned the conduct of INEC throughout the legal dispute, accusing the commission of failing to act as an impartial electoral umpire.Related News2027: Public inspection of candidates’ credentials begins Saturday in Lagos – INECFubara’s emergence as Rivers governor contentious, says Tonye ColeI know who I be, Adeleke references Davido’s ‘Oriadé’ tracks in campaign“The Commission’s actions have regrettably reinforced the growing public perception that it is no longer acting with the impartiality expected of the nation’s electoral umpire,” he added.According to him, the commission withheld material facts in court proceedings involving the PDP and ignored congresses it had monitored, actions he claimed influenced judicial outcomes against the party.Ememobong further criticised the Federal High Court judgment delivered by Justice Salim Oluwasupo Ibrahim, arguing that it departed from earlier decisions of the Supreme Court and the Court of Appeal.He disclosed that the party had already appealed the judgment and also raised concerns over what it described as discrepancies between the judgment delivered in open court and its Certified True Copy.“It is equally important to note that the Certified True Copy of the judgment was released after considerable delay. More significantly, the Certified True Copy did not fully reflect portions of the judgment as delivered in open court. This development raises legitimate concerns, which will also be addressed through the appropriate legal processes,” he stated.The PDP called on the electoral umpire to exercise restraint pending the determination of the appeal, insisting that doing otherwise would deepen suspicions about the commission’s neutrality.“We sincerely hope that INEC will adopt this prudent course. If, however, the Commission proceeds to publish the names of persons other than those validly sponsored by the authentic leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party, it will only deepen public concerns regarding its neutrality,” it added.The party maintained that the struggle was about protecting Nigeria’s democracy rather than merely resolving an internal leadership dispute.“Electoral authoritarianism is fundamentally incompatible with democratic consolidation. It reduces elections to mere rituals rather than genuine expressions of the people’s sovereign will.”Expressing confidence in the eventual outcome of the legal battle, Ememobong concluded, “With God on our side, victory is certain, even if it is delayed. We remain willing and prepared to endure to the very end.”The PDP has been embroiled in a prolonged leadership crisis that intensified after judicial pronouncements affecting its National Working Committee. Following the Supreme Court decision, the party’s Board of Trustees and a member-requisitioned National Executive Committee announced an Interim National Working Committee to administer the party pending the resolution of the dispute.However, INEC has yet to recognise the interim leadership, prompting the party to institute legal action at the Federal High Court. Following an unfavourable ruling, the PDP appealed to the Court of Appeal while proceeding to submit its candidates manually for the 2027 general elections.The development comes as political parties conclude the nomination of candidates ahead of the 2027 polls, with INEC expected to publish the final lists of candidates in accordance with the Electoral Act and the electoral timetable. He noted that the party’s submission included “our presidential candidate, President Goodluck Jonathan, as well as all Governorship, National Assembly and State Assembly candidates.“Notwithstanding INEC’s refusal to provide us with the necessary access codes—which is an administrative convenience rather than a legal requirement—we have successfully submitted, manually and in full compliance with the Electoral Act 2026, the list of candidates sponsored by the authentic Peoples Democratic Party.”The party expressed concern that INEC might publish the names of candidates submitted by another faction and urged its members not to lose hope should that happen.“Should the Commission publish names other than those lawfully submitted by us, we urge our members, supporters and the teeming Nigerians who eagerly await the candidature of President Jonathan and our other candidates not to despair. We are exhausting every constitutional, legal and democratic avenue to ensure that our Party is not hijacked or annexed to the ruling party,” Ememobong said.The interim leadership also questioned the conduct of INEC throughout the legal dispute, accusing the commission of failing to act as an impartial electoral umpire.Related News2027: Public inspection of candidates’ credentials begins Saturday in Lagos – INECFubara’s emergence as Rivers governor contentious, says Tonye ColeI know who I be, Adeleke references Davido’s ‘Oriadé’ tracks in campaign“The Commission’s actions have regrettably reinforced the growing public perception that it is no longer acting with the impartiality expected of the nation’s electoral umpire,” he added.According to him, the commission withheld material facts in court proceedings involving the PDP and ignored congresses it had monitored, actions he claimed influenced judicial outcomes against the party.Ememobong further criticised the Federal High Court judgment delivered by Justice Salim Oluwasupo Ibrahim, arguing that it departed from earlier decisions of the Supreme Court and the Court of Appeal.He disclosed that the party had already appealed the judgment and also raised concerns over what it described as discrepancies between the judgment delivered in open court and its Certified True Copy.“It is equally important to note that the Certified True Copy of the judgment was released after considerable delay. More significantly, the Certified True Copy did not fully reflect portions of the judgment as delivered in open court. This development raises legitimate concerns, which will also be addressed through the appropriate legal processes,” he stated.The PDP called on the electoral umpire to exercise restraint pending the determination of the appeal, insisting that doing otherwise would deepen suspicions about the commission’s neutrality.“We sincerely hope that INEC will adopt this prudent course. If, however, the Commission proceeds to publish the names of persons other than those validly sponsored by the authentic leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party, it will only deepen public concerns regarding its neutrality,” it added.The party maintained that the struggle was about protecting Nigeria’s democracy rather than merely resolving an internal leadership dispute.“Electoral authoritarianism is fundamentally incompatible with democratic consolidation. It reduces elections to mere rituals rather than genuine expressions of the people’s sovereign will.”Expressing confidence in the eventual outcome of the legal battle, Ememobong concluded, “With God on our side, victory is certain, even if it is delayed. We remain willing and prepared to endure to the very end.”The PDP has been embroiled in a prolonged leadership crisis that intensified after judicial pronouncements affecting its National Working Committee. Following the Supreme Court decision, the party’s Board of Trustees and a member-requisitioned National Executive Committee announced an Interim National Working Committee to administer the party pending the resolution of the dispute.However, INEC has yet to recognise the interim leadership, prompting the party to institute legal action at the Federal High Court. Following an unfavourable ruling, the PDP appealed to the Court of Appeal while proceeding to submit its candidates manually for the 2027 general elections.The development comes as political parties conclude the nomination of candidates ahead of the 2027 polls, with INEC expected to publish the final lists of candidates in accordance with the Electoral Act and the electoral timetable. “Notwithstanding INEC’s refusal to provide us with the necessary access codes—which is an administrative convenience rather than a legal requirement—we have successfully submitted, manually and in full compliance with the Electoral Act 2026, the list of candidates sponsored by the authentic Peoples Democratic Party.”The party expressed concern that INEC might publish the names of candidates submitted by another faction and urged its members not to lose hope should that happen.“Should the Commission publish names other than those lawfully submitted by us, we urge our members, supporters and the teeming Nigerians who eagerly await the candidature of President Jonathan and our other candidates not to despair. We are exhausting every constitutional, legal and democratic avenue to ensure that our Party is not hijacked or annexed to the ruling party,” Ememobong said.The interim leadership also questioned the conduct of INEC throughout the legal dispute, accusing the commission of failing to act as an impartial electoral umpire.Related News2027: Public inspection of candidates’ credentials begins Saturday in Lagos – INECFubara’s emergence as Rivers governor contentious, says Tonye ColeI know who I be, Adeleke references Davido’s ‘Oriadé’ tracks in campaign“The Commission’s actions have regrettably reinforced the growing public perception that it is no longer acting with the impartiality expected of the nation’s electoral umpire,” he added.According to him, the commission withheld material facts in court proceedings involving the PDP and ignored congresses it had monitored, actions he claimed influenced judicial outcomes against the party.Ememobong further criticised the Federal High Court judgment delivered by Justice Salim Oluwasupo Ibrahim, arguing that it departed from earlier decisions of the Supreme Court and the Court of Appeal.He disclosed that the party had already appealed the judgment and also raised concerns over what it described as discrepancies between the judgment delivered in open court and its Certified True Copy.“It is equally important to note that the Certified True Copy of the judgment was released after considerable delay. More significantly, the Certified True Copy did not fully reflect portions of the judgment as delivered in open court. This development raises legitimate concerns, which will also be addressed through the appropriate legal processes,” he stated.The PDP called on the electoral umpire to exercise restraint pending the determination of the appeal, insisting that doing otherwise would deepen suspicions about the commission’s neutrality.“We sincerely hope that INEC will adopt this prudent course. If, however, the Commission proceeds to publish the names of persons other than those validly sponsored by the authentic leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party, it will only deepen public concerns regarding its neutrality,” it added.The party maintained that the struggle was about protecting Nigeria’s democracy rather than merely resolving an internal leadership dispute.“Electoral authoritarianism is fundamentally incompatible with democratic consolidation. It reduces elections to mere rituals rather than genuine expressions of the people’s sovereign will.”Expressing confidence in the eventual outcome of the legal battle, Ememobong concluded, “With God on our side, victory is certain, even if it is delayed. We remain willing and prepared to endure to the very end.”The PDP has been embroiled in a prolonged leadership crisis that intensified after judicial pronouncements affecting its National Working Committee. Following the Supreme Court decision, the party’s Board of Trustees and a member-requisitioned National Executive Committee announced an Interim National Working Committee to administer the party pending the resolution of the dispute.However, INEC has yet to recognise the interim leadership, prompting the party to institute legal action at the Federal High Court. Following an unfavourable ruling, the PDP appealed to the Court of Appeal while proceeding to submit its candidates manually for the 2027 general elections.The development comes as political parties conclude the nomination of candidates ahead of the 2027 polls, with INEC expected to publish the final lists of candidates in accordance with the Electoral Act and the electoral timetable. The party expressed concern that INEC might publish the names of candidates submitted by another faction and urged its members not to lose hope should that happen.“Should the Commission publish names other than those lawfully submitted by us, we urge our members, supporters and the teeming Nigerians who eagerly await the candidature of President Jonathan and our other candidates not to despair. We are exhausting every constitutional, legal and democratic avenue to ensure that our Party is not hijacked or annexed to the ruling party,” Ememobong said.The interim leadership also questioned the conduct of INEC throughout the legal dispute, accusing the commission of failing to act as an impartial electoral umpire.Related News2027: Public inspection of candidates’ credentials begins Saturday in Lagos – INECFubara’s emergence as Rivers governor contentious, says Tonye ColeI know who I be, Adeleke references Davido’s ‘Oriadé’ tracks in campaign“The Commission’s actions have regrettably reinforced the growing public perception that it is no longer acting with the impartiality expected of the nation’s electoral umpire,” he added.According to him, the commission withheld material facts in court proceedings involving the PDP and ignored congresses it had monitored, actions he claimed influenced judicial outcomes against the party.Ememobong further criticised the Federal High Court judgment delivered by Justice Salim Oluwasupo Ibrahim, arguing that it departed from earlier decisions of the Supreme Court and the Court of Appeal.He disclosed that the party had already appealed the judgment and also raised concerns over what it described as discrepancies between the judgment delivered in open court and its Certified True Copy.“It is equally important to note that the Certified True Copy of the judgment was released after considerable delay. More significantly, the Certified True Copy did not fully reflect portions of the judgment as delivered in open court. This development raises legitimate concerns, which will also be addressed through the appropriate legal processes,” he stated.The PDP called on the electoral umpire to exercise restraint pending the determination of the appeal, insisting that doing otherwise would deepen suspicions about the commission’s neutrality.“We sincerely hope that INEC will adopt this prudent course. If, however, the Commission proceeds to publish the names of persons other than those validly sponsored by the authentic leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party, it will only deepen public concerns regarding its neutrality,” it added.The party maintained that the struggle was about protecting Nigeria’s democracy rather than merely resolving an internal leadership dispute.“Electoral authoritarianism is fundamentally incompatible with democratic consolidation. It reduces elections to mere rituals rather than genuine expressions of the people’s sovereign will.”Expressing confidence in the eventual outcome of the legal battle, Ememobong concluded, “With God on our side, victory is certain, even if it is delayed. We remain willing and prepared to endure to the very end.”The PDP has been embroiled in a prolonged leadership crisis that intensified after judicial pronouncements affecting its National Working Committee. Following the Supreme Court decision, the party’s Board of Trustees and a member-requisitioned National Executive Committee announced an Interim National Working Committee to administer the party pending the resolution of the dispute.However, INEC has yet to recognise the interim leadership, prompting the party to institute legal action at the Federal High Court. Following an unfavourable ruling, the PDP appealed to the Court of Appeal while proceeding to submit its candidates manually for the 2027 general elections.The development comes as political parties conclude the nomination of candidates ahead of the 2027 polls, with INEC expected to publish the final lists of candidates in accordance with the Electoral Act and the electoral timetable. “Should the Commission publish names other than those lawfully submitted by us, we urge our members, supporters and the teeming Nigerians who eagerly await the candidature of President Jonathan and our other candidates not to despair. We are exhausting every constitutional, legal and democratic avenue to ensure that our Party is not hijacked or annexed to the ruling party,” Ememobong said.The interim leadership also questioned the conduct of INEC throughout the legal dispute, accusing the commission of failing to act as an impartial electoral umpire.Related News2027: Public inspection of candidates’ credentials begins Saturday in Lagos – INECFubara’s emergence as Rivers governor contentious, says Tonye ColeI know who I be, Adeleke references Davido’s ‘Oriadé’ tracks in campaign“The Commission’s actions have regrettably reinforced the growing public perception that it is no longer acting with the impartiality expected of the nation’s electoral umpire,” he added.According to him, the commission withheld material facts in court proceedings involving the PDP and ignored congresses it had monitored, actions he claimed influenced judicial outcomes against the party.Ememobong further criticised the Federal High Court judgment delivered by Justice Salim Oluwasupo Ibrahim, arguing that it departed from earlier decisions of the Supreme Court and the Court of Appeal.He disclosed that the party had already appealed the judgment and also raised concerns over what it described as discrepancies between the judgment delivered in open court and its Certified True Copy.“It is equally important to note that the Certified True Copy of the judgment was released after considerable delay. More significantly, the Certified True Copy did not fully reflect portions of the judgment as delivered in open court. This development raises legitimate concerns, which will also be addressed through the appropriate legal processes,” he stated.The PDP called on the electoral umpire to exercise restraint pending the determination of the appeal, insisting that doing otherwise would deepen suspicions about the commission’s neutrality.“We sincerely hope that INEC will adopt this prudent course. If, however, the Commission proceeds to publish the names of persons other than those validly sponsored by the authentic leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party, it will only deepen public concerns regarding its neutrality,” it added.The party maintained that the struggle was about protecting Nigeria’s democracy rather than merely resolving an internal leadership dispute.“Electoral authoritarianism is fundamentally incompatible with democratic consolidation. It reduces elections to mere rituals rather than genuine expressions of the people’s sovereign will.”Expressing confidence in the eventual outcome of the legal battle, Ememobong concluded, “With God on our side, victory is certain, even if it is delayed. We remain willing and prepared to endure to the very end.”The PDP has been embroiled in a prolonged leadership crisis that intensified after judicial pronouncements affecting its National Working Committee. Following the Supreme Court decision, the party’s Board of Trustees and a member-requisitioned National Executive Committee announced an Interim National Working Committee to administer the party pending the resolution of the dispute.However, INEC has yet to recognise the interim leadership, prompting the party to institute legal action at the Federal High Court. Following an unfavourable ruling, the PDP appealed to the Court of Appeal while proceeding to submit its candidates manually for the 2027 general elections.The development comes as political parties conclude the nomination of candidates ahead of the 2027 polls, with INEC expected to publish the final lists of candidates in accordance with the Electoral Act and the electoral timetable. The interim leadership also questioned the conduct of INEC throughout the legal dispute, accusing the commission of failing to act as an impartial electoral umpire.Related News2027: Public inspection of candidates’ credentials begins Saturday in Lagos – INECFubara’s emergence as Rivers governor contentious, says Tonye ColeI know who I be, Adeleke references Davido’s ‘Oriadé’ tracks in campaign“The Commission’s actions have regrettably reinforced the growing public perception that it is no longer acting with the impartiality expected of the nation’s electoral umpire,” he added.According to him, the commission withheld material facts in court proceedings involving the PDP and ignored congresses it had monitored, actions he claimed influenced judicial outcomes against the party.Ememobong further criticised the Federal High Court judgment delivered by Justice Salim Oluwasupo Ibrahim, arguing that it departed from earlier decisions of the Supreme Court and the Court of Appeal.He disclosed that the party had already appealed the judgment and also raised concerns over what it described as discrepancies between the judgment delivered in open court and its Certified True Copy.“It is equally important to note that the Certified True Copy of the judgment was released after considerable delay. More significantly, the Certified True Copy did not fully reflect portions of the judgment as delivered in open court. This development raises legitimate concerns, which will also be addressed through the appropriate legal processes,” he stated.The PDP called on the electoral umpire to exercise restraint pending the determination of the appeal, insisting that doing otherwise would deepen suspicions about the commission’s neutrality.“We sincerely hope that INEC will adopt this prudent course. If, however, the Commission proceeds to publish the names of persons other than those validly sponsored by the authentic leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party, it will only deepen public concerns regarding its neutrality,” it added.The party maintained that the struggle was about protecting Nigeria’s democracy rather than merely resolving an internal leadership dispute.“Electoral authoritarianism is fundamentally incompatible with democratic consolidation. It reduces elections to mere rituals rather than genuine expressions of the people’s sovereign will.”Expressing confidence in the eventual outcome of the legal battle, Ememobong concluded, “With God on our side, victory is certain, even if it is delayed. We remain willing and prepared to endure to the very end.”The PDP has been embroiled in a prolonged leadership crisis that intensified after judicial pronouncements affecting its National Working Committee. Following the Supreme Court decision, the party’s Board of Trustees and a member-requisitioned National Executive Committee announced an Interim National Working Committee to administer the party pending the resolution of the dispute.However, INEC has yet to recognise the interim leadership, prompting the party to institute legal action at the Federal High Court. Following an unfavourable ruling, the PDP appealed to the Court of Appeal while proceeding to submit its candidates manually for the 2027 general elections.The development comes as political parties conclude the nomination of candidates ahead of the 2027 polls, with INEC expected to publish the final lists of candidates in accordance with the Electoral Act and the electoral timetable. “The Commission’s actions have regrettably reinforced the growing public perception that it is no longer acting with the impartiality expected of the nation’s electoral umpire,” he added.According to him, the commission withheld material facts in court proceedings involving the PDP and ignored congresses it had monitored, actions he claimed influenced judicial outcomes against the party.Ememobong further criticised the Federal High Court judgment delivered by Justice Salim Oluwasupo Ibrahim, arguing that it departed from earlier decisions of the Supreme Court and the Court of Appeal.He disclosed that the party had already appealed the judgment and also raised concerns over what it described as discrepancies between the judgment delivered in open court and its Certified True Copy.“It is equally important to note that the Certified True Copy of the judgment was released after considerable delay. More significantly, the Certified True Copy did not fully reflect portions of the judgment as delivered in open court. This development raises legitimate concerns, which will also be addressed through the appropriate legal processes,” he stated.The PDP called on the electoral umpire to exercise restraint pending the determination of the appeal, insisting that doing otherwise would deepen suspicions about the commission’s neutrality.“We sincerely hope that INEC will adopt this prudent course. If, however, the Commission proceeds to publish the names of persons other than those validly sponsored by the authentic leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party, it will only deepen public concerns regarding its neutrality,” it added.The party maintained that the struggle was about protecting Nigeria’s democracy rather than merely resolving an internal leadership dispute.“Electoral authoritarianism is fundamentally incompatible with democratic consolidation. It reduces elections to mere rituals rather than genuine expressions of the people’s sovereign will.”Expressing confidence in the eventual outcome of the legal battle, Ememobong concluded, “With God on our side, victory is certain, even if it is delayed. We remain willing and prepared to endure to the very end.”The PDP has been embroiled in a prolonged leadership crisis that intensified after judicial pronouncements affecting its National Working Committee. Following the Supreme Court decision, the party’s Board of Trustees and a member-requisitioned National Executive Committee announced an Interim National Working Committee to administer the party pending the resolution of the dispute.However, INEC has yet to recognise the interim leadership, prompting the party to institute legal action at the Federal High Court. Following an unfavourable ruling, the PDP appealed to the Court of Appeal while proceeding to submit its candidates manually for the 2027 general elections.The development comes as political parties conclude the nomination of candidates ahead of the 2027 polls, with INEC expected to publish the final lists of candidates in accordance with the Electoral Act and the electoral timetable. According to him, the commission withheld material facts in court proceedings involving the PDP and ignored congresses it had monitored, actions he claimed influenced judicial outcomes against the party.Ememobong further criticised the Federal High Court judgment delivered by Justice Salim Oluwasupo Ibrahim, arguing that it departed from earlier decisions of the Supreme Court and the Court of Appeal.He disclosed that the party had already appealed the judgment and also raised concerns over what it described as discrepancies between the judgment delivered in open court and its Certified True Copy.“It is equally important to note that the Certified True Copy of the judgment was released after considerable delay. More significantly, the Certified True Copy did not fully reflect portions of the judgment as delivered in open court. This development raises legitimate concerns, which will also be addressed through the appropriate legal processes,” he stated.The PDP called on the electoral umpire to exercise restraint pending the determination of the appeal, insisting that doing otherwise would deepen suspicions about the commission’s neutrality.“We sincerely hope that INEC will adopt this prudent course. If, however, the Commission proceeds to publish the names of persons other than those validly sponsored by the authentic leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party, it will only deepen public concerns regarding its neutrality,” it added.The party maintained that the struggle was about protecting Nigeria’s democracy rather than merely resolving an internal leadership dispute.“Electoral authoritarianism is fundamentally incompatible with democratic consolidation. It reduces elections to mere rituals rather than genuine expressions of the people’s sovereign will.”Expressing confidence in the eventual outcome of the legal battle, Ememobong concluded, “With God on our side, victory is certain, even if it is delayed. We remain willing and prepared to endure to the very end.”The PDP has been embroiled in a prolonged leadership crisis that intensified after judicial pronouncements affecting its National Working Committee. Following the Supreme Court decision, the party’s Board of Trustees and a member-requisitioned National Executive Committee announced an Interim National Working Committee to administer the party pending the resolution of the dispute.However, INEC has yet to recognise the interim leadership, prompting the party to institute legal action at the Federal High Court. Following an unfavourable ruling, the PDP appealed to the Court of Appeal while proceeding to submit its candidates manually for the 2027 general elections.The development comes as political parties conclude the nomination of candidates ahead of the 2027 polls, with INEC expected to publish the final lists of candidates in accordance with the Electoral Act and the electoral timetable. Ememobong further criticised the Federal High Court judgment delivered by Justice Salim Oluwasupo Ibrahim, arguing that it departed from earlier decisions of the Supreme Court and the Court of Appeal.He disclosed that the party had already appealed the judgment and also raised concerns over what it described as discrepancies between the judgment delivered in open court and its Certified True Copy.“It is equally important to note that the Certified True Copy of the judgment was released after considerable delay. More significantly, the Certified True Copy did not fully reflect portions of the judgment as delivered in open court. This development raises legitimate concerns, which will also be addressed through the appropriate legal processes,” he stated.The PDP called on the electoral umpire to exercise restraint pending the determination of the appeal, insisting that doing otherwise would deepen suspicions about the commission’s neutrality.“We sincerely hope that INEC will adopt this prudent course. If, however, the Commission proceeds to publish the names of persons other than those validly sponsored by the authentic leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party, it will only deepen public concerns regarding its neutrality,” it added.The party maintained that the struggle was about protecting Nigeria’s democracy rather than merely resolving an internal leadership dispute.“Electoral authoritarianism is fundamentally incompatible with democratic consolidation. It reduces elections to mere rituals rather than genuine expressions of the people’s sovereign will.”Expressing confidence in the eventual outcome of the legal battle, Ememobong concluded, “With God on our side, victory is certain, even if it is delayed. We remain willing and prepared to endure to the very end.”The PDP has been embroiled in a prolonged leadership crisis that intensified after judicial pronouncements affecting its National Working Committee. Following the Supreme Court decision, the party’s Board of Trustees and a member-requisitioned National Executive Committee announced an Interim National Working Committee to administer the party pending the resolution of the dispute.However, INEC has yet to recognise the interim leadership, prompting the party to institute legal action at the Federal High Court. Following an unfavourable ruling, the PDP appealed to the Court of Appeal while proceeding to submit its candidates manually for the 2027 general elections.The development comes as political parties conclude the nomination of candidates ahead of the 2027 polls, with INEC expected to publish the final lists of candidates in accordance with the Electoral Act and the electoral timetable. He disclosed that the party had already appealed the judgment and also raised concerns over what it described as discrepancies between the judgment delivered in open court and its Certified True Copy.“It is equally important to note that the Certified True Copy of the judgment was released after considerable delay. More significantly, the Certified True Copy did not fully reflect portions of the judgment as delivered in open court. This development raises legitimate concerns, which will also be addressed through the appropriate legal processes,” he stated.The PDP called on the electoral umpire to exercise restraint pending the determination of the appeal, insisting that doing otherwise would deepen suspicions about the commission’s neutrality.“We sincerely hope that INEC will adopt this prudent course. If, however, the Commission proceeds to publish the names of persons other than those validly sponsored by the authentic leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party, it will only deepen public concerns regarding its neutrality,” it added.The party maintained that the struggle was about protecting Nigeria’s democracy rather than merely resolving an internal leadership dispute.“Electoral authoritarianism is fundamentally incompatible with democratic consolidation. It reduces elections to mere rituals rather than genuine expressions of the people’s sovereign will.”Expressing confidence in the eventual outcome of the legal battle, Ememobong concluded, “With God on our side, victory is certain, even if it is delayed. We remain willing and prepared to endure to the very end.”The PDP has been embroiled in a prolonged leadership crisis that intensified after judicial pronouncements affecting its National Working Committee. Following the Supreme Court decision, the party’s Board of Trustees and a member-requisitioned National Executive Committee announced an Interim National Working Committee to administer the party pending the resolution of the dispute.However, INEC has yet to recognise the interim leadership, prompting the party to institute legal action at the Federal High Court. Following an unfavourable ruling, the PDP appealed to the Court of Appeal while proceeding to submit its candidates manually for the 2027 general elections.The development comes as political parties conclude the nomination of candidates ahead of the 2027 polls, with INEC expected to publish the final lists of candidates in accordance with the Electoral Act and the electoral timetable. “It is equally important to note that the Certified True Copy of the judgment was released after considerable delay. More significantly, the Certified True Copy did not fully reflect portions of the judgment as delivered in open court. This development raises legitimate concerns, which will also be addressed through the appropriate legal processes,” he stated.The PDP called on the electoral umpire to exercise restraint pending the determination of the appeal, insisting that doing otherwise would deepen suspicions about the commission’s neutrality.“We sincerely hope that INEC will adopt this prudent course. If, however, the Commission proceeds to publish the names of persons other than those validly sponsored by the authentic leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party, it will only deepen public concerns regarding its neutrality,” it added.The party maintained that the struggle was about protecting Nigeria’s democracy rather than merely resolving an internal leadership dispute.“Electoral authoritarianism is fundamentally incompatible with democratic consolidation. It reduces elections to mere rituals rather than genuine expressions of the people’s sovereign will.”Expressing confidence in the eventual outcome of the legal battle, Ememobong concluded, “With God on our side, victory is certain, even if it is delayed. We remain willing and prepared to endure to the very end.”The PDP has been embroiled in a prolonged leadership crisis that intensified after judicial pronouncements affecting its National Working Committee. Following the Supreme Court decision, the party’s Board of Trustees and a member-requisitioned National Executive Committee announced an Interim National Working Committee to administer the party pending the resolution of the dispute.However, INEC has yet to recognise the interim leadership, prompting the party to institute legal action at the Federal High Court. Following an unfavourable ruling, the PDP appealed to the Court of Appeal while proceeding to submit its candidates manually for the 2027 general elections.The development comes as political parties conclude the nomination of candidates ahead of the 2027 polls, with INEC expected to publish the final lists of candidates in accordance with the Electoral Act and the electoral timetable. The PDP called on the electoral umpire to exercise restraint pending the determination of the appeal, insisting that doing otherwise would deepen suspicions about the commission’s neutrality.“We sincerely hope that INEC will adopt this prudent course. If, however, the Commission proceeds to publish the names of persons other than those validly sponsored by the authentic leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party, it will only deepen public concerns regarding its neutrality,” it added.The party maintained that the struggle was about protecting Nigeria’s democracy rather than merely resolving an internal leadership dispute.“Electoral authoritarianism is fundamentally incompatible with democratic consolidation. It reduces elections to mere rituals rather than genuine expressions of the people’s sovereign will.”Expressing confidence in the eventual outcome of the legal battle, Ememobong concluded, “With God on our side, victory is certain, even if it is delayed. We remain willing and prepared to endure to the very end.”The PDP has been embroiled in a prolonged leadership crisis that intensified after judicial pronouncements affecting its National Working Committee. Following the Supreme Court decision, the party’s Board of Trustees and a member-requisitioned National Executive Committee announced an Interim National Working Committee to administer the party pending the resolution of the dispute.However, INEC has yet to recognise the interim leadership, prompting the party to institute legal action at the Federal High Court. Following an unfavourable ruling, the PDP appealed to the Court of Appeal while proceeding to submit its candidates manually for the 2027 general elections.The development comes as political parties conclude the nomination of candidates ahead of the 2027 polls, with INEC expected to publish the final lists of candidates in accordance with the Electoral Act and the electoral timetable. “We sincerely hope that INEC will adopt this prudent course. If, however, the Commission proceeds to publish the names of persons other than those validly sponsored by the authentic leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party, it will only deepen public concerns regarding its neutrality,” it added.The party maintained that the struggle was about protecting Nigeria’s democracy rather than merely resolving an internal leadership dispute.“Electoral authoritarianism is fundamentally incompatible with democratic consolidation. It reduces elections to mere rituals rather than genuine expressions of the people’s sovereign will.”Expressing confidence in the eventual outcome of the legal battle, Ememobong concluded, “With God on our side, victory is certain, even if it is delayed. We remain willing and prepared to endure to the very end.”The PDP has been embroiled in a prolonged leadership crisis that intensified after judicial pronouncements affecting its National Working Committee. Following the Supreme Court decision, the party’s Board of Trustees and a member-requisitioned National Executive Committee announced an Interim National Working Committee to administer the party pending the resolution of the dispute.However, INEC has yet to recognise the interim leadership, prompting the party to institute legal action at the Federal High Court. Following an unfavourable ruling, the PDP appealed to the Court of Appeal while proceeding to submit its candidates manually for the 2027 general elections.The development comes as political parties conclude the nomination of candidates ahead of the 2027 polls, with INEC expected to publish the final lists of candidates in accordance with the Electoral Act and the electoral timetable. The party maintained that the struggle was about protecting Nigeria’s democracy rather than merely resolving an internal leadership dispute.“Electoral authoritarianism is fundamentally incompatible with democratic consolidation. It reduces elections to mere rituals rather than genuine expressions of the people’s sovereign will.”Expressing confidence in the eventual outcome of the legal battle, Ememobong concluded, “With God on our side, victory is certain, even if it is delayed. We remain willing and prepared to endure to the very end.”The PDP has been embroiled in a prolonged leadership crisis that intensified after judicial pronouncements affecting its National Working Committee. Following the Supreme Court decision, the party’s Board of Trustees and a member-requisitioned National Executive Committee announced an Interim National Working Committee to administer the party pending the resolution of the dispute.However, INEC has yet to recognise the interim leadership, prompting the party to institute legal action at the Federal High Court. Following an unfavourable ruling, the PDP appealed to the Court of Appeal while proceeding to submit its candidates manually for the 2027 general elections.The development comes as political parties conclude the nomination of candidates ahead of the 2027 polls, with INEC expected to publish the final lists of candidates in accordance with the Electoral Act and the electoral timetable. “Electoral authoritarianism is fundamentally incompatible with democratic consolidation. It reduces elections to mere rituals rather than genuine expressions of the people’s sovereign will.”Expressing confidence in the eventual outcome of the legal battle, Ememobong concluded, “With God on our side, victory is certain, even if it is delayed. We remain willing and prepared to endure to the very end.”The PDP has been embroiled in a prolonged leadership crisis that intensified after judicial pronouncements affecting its National Working Committee. Following the Supreme Court decision, the party’s Board of Trustees and a member-requisitioned National Executive Committee announced an Interim National Working Committee to administer the party pending the resolution of the dispute.However, INEC has yet to recognise the interim leadership, prompting the party to institute legal action at the Federal High Court. Following an unfavourable ruling, the PDP appealed to the Court of Appeal while proceeding to submit its candidates manually for the 2027 general elections.The development comes as political parties conclude the nomination of candidates ahead of the 2027 polls, with INEC expected to publish the final lists of candidates in accordance with the Electoral Act and the electoral timetable. Expressing confidence in the eventual outcome of the legal battle, Ememobong concluded, “With God on our side, victory is certain, even if it is delayed. We remain willing and prepared to endure to the very end.”The PDP has been embroiled in a prolonged leadership crisis that intensified after judicial pronouncements affecting its National Working Committee. Following the Supreme Court decision, the party’s Board of Trustees and a member-requisitioned National Executive Committee announced an Interim National Working Committee to administer the party pending the resolution of the dispute.However, INEC has yet to recognise the interim leadership, prompting the party to institute legal action at the Federal High Court. Following an unfavourable ruling, the PDP appealed to the Court of Appeal while proceeding to submit its candidates manually for the 2027 general elections.The development comes as political parties conclude the nomination of candidates ahead of the 2027 polls, with INEC expected to publish the final lists of candidates in accordance with the Electoral Act and the electoral timetable. The PDP has been embroiled in a prolonged leadership crisis that intensified after judicial pronouncements affecting its National Working Committee. Following the Supreme Court decision, the party’s Board of Trustees and a member-requisitioned National Executive Committee announced an Interim National Working Committee to administer the party pending the resolution of the dispute.However, INEC has yet to recognise the interim leadership, prompting the party to institute legal action at the Federal High Court. Following an unfavourable ruling, the PDP appealed to the Court of Appeal while proceeding to submit its candidates manually for the 2027 general elections.The development comes as political parties conclude the nomination of candidates ahead of the 2027 polls, with INEC expected to publish the final lists of candidates in accordance with the Electoral Act and the electoral timetable. However, INEC has yet to recognise the interim leadership, prompting the party to institute legal action at the Federal High Court. Following an unfavourable ruling, the PDP appealed to the Court of Appeal while proceeding to submit its candidates manually for the 2027 general elections.The development comes as political parties conclude the nomination of candidates ahead of the 2027 polls, with INEC expected to publish the final lists of candidates in accordance with the Electoral Act and the electoral timetable. The development comes as political parties conclude the nomination of candidates ahead of the 2027 polls, with INEC expected to publish the final lists of candidates in accordance with the Electoral Act and the electoral timetable.