HURIWA Accuses INEC of Double Standards, Demands Recognition of Tanimu Turaki as PDP Interim Chairman

The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has raised concerns over what it described as selective compliance with court orders by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), alleging that the electoral body is applying different standards in handling leadership disputes within political parties.

In a statement issued on Friday, HURIWA questioned INEC’s failure to recognise Alhaji Tanimu Turaki as the Interim National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), despite what it said were judicial pronouncements supporting his appointment.

The rights advocacy group argued that while INEC acted swiftly to implement court decisions affecting the leadership of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), including the recognition of Professor Umar Abubakar Gombe as National Chairman, the commission has allegedly failed to take similar action regarding the PDP leadership crisis.

According to HURIWA, the disparity raises questions about the consistency of INEC’s commitment to the rule of law and equal treatment of registered political parties.

“It is difficult for objective observers to understand why INEC is quick to implement judicial pronouncements affecting one political party while appearing reluctant to comply with similar decisions concerning another,” the group stated.

The association specifically called on INEC to explain why it has not updated its records to reflect Turaki’s emergence as interim chairman, which it said was backed by the PDP’s recognised Board of Trustees and supported by court decisions.

HURIWA also referenced a recent Court of Appeal judgment which it claimed invalidated the March 29, 2026 PDP convention linked to a faction associated with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, .

The group argued that the appellate court’s findings regarding the tenure of the faction’s National Legal Adviser should have prompted relevant institutions, including INEC, to realign their records with the legal position established by the court.

The organisation warned that any perceived selective interpretation or enforcement of judicial decisions could heighten political tensions and reinforce public suspicions about the neutrality of state institutions ahead of the 2027 general elections.

HURIWA further urged INEC to publicly respond to allegations made by SDP presidential candidate aspirant, , who has previously alleged that certain state institutions are being used to advance the political interests of President and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

The association stressed that INEC must demonstrate through its actions that it remains an independent constitutional body committed to fairness, transparency and the rule of law.

HURIWA therefore called on INEC Chairman, , to provide a comprehensive explanation regarding what it described as the unequal treatment of the SDP and PDP leadership disputes.

The group maintained that democracy can only flourish when institutions operate impartially and court judgments are implemented without discrimination, political considerations or external influence.

As of the time of the statement, INEC had not responded to the allegations raised by HURIWA.