HURIWA asks INEC to clarify PDP access code controversy, respect court process

The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has called upon the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to provide clarity regarding reports that it issued the Candidates’ Access Code for the 2027 general elections to a faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). HURIWA cautioned the electoral body against taking any steps that might jeopardize pending court proceedings.

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INEC owed Nigerians a duty of transparency, noting that its silence on the matter was fueling public suspicion and raising concerns over the integrity of the electoral process.

In a press statement issued by its National Coordinator, Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko, HURIWA emphasized that INEC owes Nigerians a duty of transparency. The association noted that the commission's silence on the matter is fueling public suspicion and raising concerns about the integrity of the electoral process. HURIWA stated that if the reports are true, specifically, that the access code was issued to a faction allegedly aligned with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Chief Nyesom Wike, INEC must explain the legal basis for its actions, especially given the ongoing litigation over the PDP's authentic leadership.

HURIWA highlighted a Court of Appeal ruling that stated the tenure of the party’s former National Legal Adviser, A.K. Ajibade, SAN, expired in December 2025, and found no credible evidence of his re-election. This ruling raises fundamental legal questions about the legitimacy of decisions stemming from the March 29, 2026 convention. The association stressed that INEC should not disregard subsisting judicial pronouncements.

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The Commission must not take any administrative step capable of foisting a fait accompli on the court or rendering the pending proceedings merely academic.

The group also referenced the PDP Board of Trustees, led by former Senate President Adolphus Wabara, which constituted an interim National Working Committee headed by Chief Kabir Tanimu Turaki, SAN. This interim leadership filed Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/1159/2026 before the Federal High Court in Abuja, seeking recognition. The Federal High Court has scheduled July 7, 2026, for a hearing, ordering accelerated proceedings due to INEC’s electoral timetable. HURIWA urged INEC to publicly confirm whether it has issued the Candidates’ Access Code to any PDP faction, and if not, to reassure Nigerians of its commitment to abiding by lawful court orders. If the code has been issued despite legal disputes, HURIWA insists INEC must immediately review its decision in the interest of justice and constitutional order.

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If INEC has not issued the Candidates’ Access Code to any PDP faction, it should say so unequivocally and reassure Nigerians that it will abide by whatever lawful orders ultimately emerge from the courts.