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

By Chioma Obinna

The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) on Sunday called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to clarify reports that it issued the Candidates’ Access Code for the 2027 general elections to a faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), warning the electoral body against taking actions that could undermine pending court proceedings.

In a press statement by its National Coordinator, Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko, HURIWA said 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.

The group said if reports that the access code had been issued to the faction allegedly aligned with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Chief Nyesom Wike, were true, the Commission should explain the legal basis for doing so despite ongoing litigation over the authentic leadership of the PDP.

According to HURIWA, the Court of Appeal had ruled that the tenure of the party’s former National Legal Adviser, A.K. Ajibade, SAN, expired in December 2025 and that there was no credible evidence of his re-election, thereby questioning the validity of subsequent actions linked to the March 29, 2026 convention.

It argued that the judgment raised fundamental legal questions regarding the legitimacy of decisions arising from the disputed convention, adding that INEC should not ignore the subsisting judicial pronouncements.

The association also noted that the PDP Board of Trustees, led by former Senate President Adolphus Wabara, constituted an interim National Working Committee headed by Chief Kabir Tanimu Turaki, SAN, and had filed Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/1159/2026 before the Federal High Court, Abuja, seeking recognition of the interim leadership.

It added that the Federal High Court had fixed July 7, 2026, for hearing after ordering an accelerated hearing in view of INEC’s electoral timetable.

HURIWA further stated that counsel to the plaintiffs had informed the court that political parties had begun receiving Candidates’ Access Codes and requested that the Turaki-led leadership also be issued the code to prevent prejudice pending the determination of the suit.

“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 said.

It urged INEC to publicly state whether or not it had issued the Candidates’ Access Code to any PDP faction.

“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,” HURIWA said.

The group, however, maintained that if the Commission had already issued the code despite the pending legal disputes, it should immediately review the decision in the interest of justice, fairness and constitutional order.

HURIWA further argued that if INEC eventually decides to issue the access code before the conclusion of the litigation, it should be issued to the interim leadership constituted by the PDP Board of Trustees.

The rights group urged the electoral umpire to maintain neutrality, uphold the rule of law and avoid actions capable of eroding public confidence in the democratic process ahead of the 2027 general elections.

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