The Peoples Democratic Party has firmly rejected claims that it may be barred from participating in the 2027 general election, describing such reports as baseless and politically motivated.
The party’s National Publicity Secretary, Comrade Ini Ememobong, dismissed the speculation in an interview, saying there is no legal obstacle preventing the PDP from fielding candidates in the forthcoming polls.
He argued that the rumours were being spread by individuals seeking to undermine the party’s credibility and create unnecessary panic among its supporters.
Ememobong maintained that the PDP remains legally recognised and fully prepared to contest elections at all levels.
He cited the party’s recent engagement in the electoral process as evidence, noting that it successfully submitted its candidates for the Abuja Area Councils election and received clearance from the Independent National Electoral Commission.
“We submitted our candidates for the Abuja council polls, and INEC has duly rectified them,” he said, stressing that this confirms the party’s active participation in electoral activities.
Addressing concerns over the Ekiti State governorship ticket, Ememobong explained that the issue arose from internal legal disputes rather than any disqualification of the PDP itself.
He clarified that the matter is currently before the Court of Appeal and that the party is awaiting judicial determination.
It would be recalled that a Federal High Court in Ado-Ekiti had nullified the PDP governorship primary that produced Dr Wole Oluyede, ruling that the process did not comply with the party’s constitution and the Electoral Act.
The court found that the PDP failed to present a valid list of statutory and ad hoc delegates as required by law and subsequently ordered a fresh primary election involving all eligible aspirants.
Despite the setback, Ememobong insisted that the ruling does not in any way affect the PDP’s eligibility to participate in future elections.
