The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has held an interactive session with different factions of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to strengthen adherence to constitutional provisions, the Electoral Act, and the Commission’s regulations as preparations intensify for upcoming elections.

The meeting took place on Friday, December 19, 2025, at INEC headquarters.

INEC Chairman Professor Joash Amupitan, SAN, told party leaders that the engagement was necessitated by multiple correspondences received from various quarters within the party, requesting the Commission’s intervention on diverse matters.

The INEC boss emphasised that INEC possesses both constitutional and statutory mandates to monitor political party activities beyond its primary responsibility of conducting elections, adding that these obligations inform all the Commission’s actions and decisions.

He informed attendees that the Commission has already distributed its timetable and schedule of activities to political parties as part of electoral preparations, affirming that INEC remains committed to delivering credible polls.

The INEC boss highlighted the Federal Capital Territory Area Council elections scheduled for February 21, 2026, alongside other electoral activities planned for later in the year, stressing the importance of early stakeholder engagement to ensure orderly participation and procedural compliance.

Professor Amupitan explained that the meeting was organized to create a platform for open and constructive dialogue, particularly given the conflicting correspondence emanating from the PDP, with the aim of establishing common ground and charting a clear direction.

He assured party officials that the Commission would be guided strictly by three legal frameworks: the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the Electoral Act, and INEC’s regulations and guidelines, which underpin all the Commission’s operations.

Professor Amupitan reaffirmed INEC’s commitment to upholding the sanctity of the law consistently, noting that strict adherence to legal provisions remains fundamental to preserving electoral process integrity.

He encouraged participants to engage in candid and productive discussions, expressing optimism that the interactive session would help resolve outstanding issues and foster a more coordinated approach to the elections.

The INEC Chairman expressed appreciation to party officials for honoring the Commission’s invitation and reiterated INEC’s dedication to continuous stakeholder engagement in pursuit of credible and transparent elections.

The meeting comes as the main opposition party continues to grapple with internal challenges that have generated multiple factional claims to party leadership and sparked competing communications to the electoral umpire.

Governor Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State has dumped the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the All Progressives Congress (APC).

This was made known on Thursday night by the National Chairman of the APC, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda.

He made the announcement while speaking at the APC’s 14th National Caucus meeting held at the State House Conference Centre in Abuja.

Yilwatda declared that Governor Mutfwang’s move means the entire North Central geopolitical zone is now fully under APC governance.

President Bola Tinubu, on Thursday, led other dignitaries and party faithfuls to attend the National Caucus meeting of the ruling party.

Tinubu arrived at the meeting at about 7:41 p.m. in the company of Vice President Kashim Shettima, Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) and Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, as well as the Chairman of the Progressive Governors’ Forum (PGF) and Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodinma.

Other top dignitaries, government officials and party stalwarts who attended the meeting included the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila; Senate President, Godswill Akpabio; Speaker of the House of Representatives, Abbas Tajudeen; APC governors; members of the party’s National Working Committee (NWC); and principal officers of the National Assembly.

Also present at the meeting are former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo and governors who recently defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the APC. They include Bayelsa State Governor, Douye Diri; Enugu State Governor, Peter Mbah; Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara; Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno; Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori; and Taraba State Governor, Kefas Agbu.

The Senator representing the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Ireti Kingibe, on Thursday formally joined the African Democratic Congress, ADC, after collecting the party’s membership card.

The event took place at the ADC National Headquarters in Wuse, Abuja, marking her official departure from the Labour Party, LP.

Observers said her decision had been delayed by the Labour Party’s ongoing internal crises and the prolonged indecision of its national leader, Peter Obi.

Ekwutosblog reports that the registration ceremony, held on Thursday, attracted senior officials of the ADC, candidates for the February 21 FCT Area Council elections, supporters and members of the media.

Speaking through her aides, the lawmaker said her decision was guided by a commitment to inclusive governance, accountability and structured opposition.