Turaki–Led NWC ‘Unshakken’ Despite Court Ruling, Says PDP

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Friday sought to calm tensions within its ranks, insisting that the Kabiru Turaki–led structure that emerged from the Ibadan Convention remains firmly in place.

The party’s reassurance followed a ruling by the Federal High Court in Ibadan, which nullified the PDP’s National Convention held in Ibadan, Oyo State, on November 15, 2025.

The court also restrained members of the Tanimu Turaki-led National Working Committee (NWC) from parading themselves as national officers of the party.

In its ruling, the court held that the Caretaker Committee led by Mohammed Abdulrahman and Senator Samuel Anyanwu remains the only recognised NWC of the PDP, pending the conduct of a valid National Convention.

THE WHISTLER reports that despite lingering internal disputes, the PDP proceeded with its two-day 2025 Elective National Convention at the Lekan Salami Stadium, Adamasingba, Ibadan.

The convention, tagged #Ibadan2025, attracted thousands of party delegates and leaders from across the country and was expected to produce a new National Working Committee, including a National Chairman, ahead of the 2027 general elections.

However, in a statement issued shortly after the ruling, the PDP clarified that the court’s decision did not amount to a judgment on the validity of the Ibadan Convention.

Rather, it said the court declined the request on the grounds that granting it would amount to sitting on appeal over decisions of courts of coordinate jurisdiction.

The statement, signed by the National Publicity Secretary, Comrade Ini Ememobong, said the party had already begun the process of challenging the ruling and urged members to remain calm.

“We are aware of the judgment of the Federal High Court, Ibadan, delivered this morning, which essentially declined to grant the order of mandamus sought on the ground that doing so would, in the court’s view, amount to sitting on appeal over judgments of courts of coordinate jurisdiction,” the PDP said.

According to the PDP, the ruling only underscores the need for an appellate court to give a final and authoritative pronouncement on the issues in dispute.

“We have accordingly briefed our lawyers to immediately file an appeal and to take all further legal steps necessary to advance our arguments and firmly protect our position on this matter,” Ememobong said.

The party also dismissed claims that the ruling had weakened the Ibadan Convention or the leadership it produced, describing such interpretations as premature and misleading.

“Notwithstanding this judgment, the Kabiru Turaki–led Peoples Democratic Party, which emerged from the Ibadan Convention, remains legally intact and unshaken, as we await the authoritative pronouncement of the appellate courts,” the statement read.

The PDP added that its immediate priority was to prevent uncertainty among members and supporters, particularly amid attempts by rival factions to capitalise on the situation.

They also stressed that its reform agenda had not been derailed by the Ibadan ruling, insisting that the internal dispute was part of a broader political struggle rather than a decisive legal setback.

“We therefore urge our members to remain resolute and committed, as there is absolutely no cause for alarm. The REBIRTH movement remains firmly on course,” the statement added.