Nigeria’s political umpire, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has rejected the suspension of four estranged chieftains by the country’s ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), News Express can report this evening.

A letter by INEC, which is in the possession of News Express, informed PDP National Chairman, Alhaji Bamanga Tukur, that the action taken against the party’s National Secretary, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola, former Acting National Chairman, Alhaji Abubakar Kawu Baraje, and former deputy chairmen, Dr. Sam Sam Jaja and Ambassador Ibrahim Kazaure did not follow due process.

Dated 25^th November, 2013, the letter was signed by INEC Secretary, Mrs. Augusta C. Ogakwu, and entitled “Re: Suspension of Alh. Alhaji Abubakar Kawu Baraje, Dr. Sam Sam Jaja, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola and Ambassador Ibrahim Kazaure from Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)”. The letter reads as follows:

“This is to acknowledge receipt of your letter dated 12^th November, 2013 informing the Commission on the suspension of four (4) members of your party.

“The Commission notes that some of the individuals so suspended held positions covered by the provisions of Section 85(1) of the Electoral Act 2010 (As Amended) and that no notice of the meeting which approved their suspension was provided to the Commission.

“Accordingly, the record of the Commission does not reflect the process and composition of the meeting that approved the suspension of the individuals, as such, the Commission cannot establish an informed position on the matter.

“Kindly accept the Commission’s highest regard and consideration.”

News Express reports that Baraje and Jaja have since joined the All Progressives Congress (APC) along with five out of the seven governors of the defunct New PDP which merged with APC on November 26.

•Photo shows INEC Chairman, Prof. Attahiru Jega.