The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has reiterated that the Supreme Court will have the final say on its ongoing leadership tussle, following today’s recognition by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of the Nyesom Wike-backed faction as the party’s official leadership.
The PDP assured members and Nigerians that all matters relating to the leadership dispute, particularly issues classified as internal party affairs, have been taken to the Supreme Court.
In a statement issued by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Ini Ememobong, the party expressed hope that the apex court will hear and resolve the appeal expeditiously, “in the interest of democracy.”
The statement came amid growing concerns among party members over recent developments, including the controversial pre-Easter gathering organized by APC sympathizers and members of the Wike-backed faction, which some party leaders had described as an illegitimate convention.
According to the PDP, the validity of that gathering is now sub judice before the Supreme Court, and the party will follow the matter to its conclusion.
“For clarity, we note that the pre-Easter gathering orchestrated by APC sympathizers and members of “Wike’s Autocratic Party,” which they misleadingly labeled a PDP convention, was conducted in contempt of the Court of Appeal,” Ememobong wrote on Monday.
“Parties had previously entered appearances and agreed on how the matter should proceed, yet they went ahead with actions capable of undermining the process. These actions are now under scrutiny by the Supreme Court, and we will diligently follow the matter to its conclusion.
“Additionally, the Federal High Court in Abuja, presided over by Justice Abdulmalik—against whom we had earlier requested recusal due to perceived bias—recently ruled in favor of the Wike-backed faction, granting them access to the PDP secretariat and directing security agencies to protect their occupation. In response, we have instructed our lawyers to immediately file an appeal and other relevant applications challenging this judgment.
He meanwhile, described the ongoing leadership crisis as part of broader challenges facing opposition parties, accusing the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of orchestrating events to weaken alternative political platforms.
“These crises are clearly orchestrated by the Bola Tinubu-led APC government, who have shown morbid fear for the existence of alternative political platforms,” the statement said.
The PDP called on its members and Nigerians to remain hopeful that the Supreme Court will uphold multi-party democracy and defend the Constitution in determining the party’s leadership.
