The Taminu Turaki-led National Working Committee of the Peoples Democratic Party has said the Independent National Electoral Commission cannot choose the party’s leadership.

The party’s spokesman, Ini Ememobong, stated this while reacting to the INEC quarterly consultative meeting with political parties, attended by the Abdulraman Mohammed-led National Caretaker Committee.

“We are aware that the Independent National Electoral Commission invited the leaders of political parties to a meeting today (Thursday). We are also aware that INEC extended the invitation to some former members of our party who are purporting to lead a so-called National Caretaker Committee to represent our party, whereas there is no such provision in our constitution.

“This action, though ordinarily vexatious and capable of causing widespread breach of peace, will be met with all possible legal responses. Though not unexpected of this current INEC leadership, it is expected that an impartial umpire would have taken notice of the pendency of the matters in the Court of Appeal.

“This includes the judgment which they are relying upon, which, when decided, will effectively affect the subject under consideration and exercise restraint therefrom. We can assure you that INEC will not choose a leadership for our party,” Mr Ememobong said.

He urged all PDP members to remain calm and hopeful that, soonest, the Court of Appeal would hear and determine all the cases concerning the party’s leadership.

“We assure that the rebirth movement of our party, under the able leadership of Tanimu Turaki, SAN, is steady and secure. It will ultimately surmount all these challenges to present a stronger and more united party to Nigerians as a credible alternative to the ruling party,” he said.

(NAN)