JUST IN: Turaki-Led PDP Heads to Supreme Court Over Ibadan Convention Ruling

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) faction led by Kabiru Tanimu Turaki has moved to challenge the recent Court of Appeal judgment that nullified its Ibadan National Convention.

Politics Nigeria reports the group confirmed on Friday that it has formally filed an appeal at the Supreme Court, seeking to overturn the ruling and protect the party’s internal decisions ahead of the 2027 elections.

The development was made known after a National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting held at the Bauchi Governors’ Lodge in Abuja. Party leaders used the meeting to review the crisis rocking the PDP and outline steps to stabilise its structure.

National Publicity Secretary, Ini Ememobong, told journalists that the legal battle has already been escalated to the apex court. According to him, the appeal includes requests for accelerated hearing and other legal processes aimed at safeguarding the party’s position.

“We said that NEC agreed that it should be appealed… I can confirm to you that the appeal has not just been filed; that appeal has been entered in the Supreme Court,” he said.

He explained that the NEC ratified key decisions taken earlier by the National Working Committee (NWC) and the Board of Trustees. These include pursuing reconciliation, challenging the court ruling, and continuing the ongoing electronic registration of members.

Despite the legal move, Ememobong stressed that reconciliation efforts within the party remain active. He noted that the appeal would not stop ongoing talks between rival factions, adding that both sides are gradually reducing tensions.

“The process of saving our party is on course, and all hope is not lost,” he said.

He warned that failure to resolve internal disputes could affect the chances of party members contesting elections in 2027. According to him, a united platform is necessary for credible participation in future polls.

On the reported plan by a rival faction backed by Nyesom Wike to hold a separate national convention, Ememobong dismissed the claim. He said the Turaki-led leadership was not aware of any such arrangement and declined to engage further on the issue publicly.

“Talking about the convention, there’s no convention coming up to our knowledge,” he stated.

The party spokesman described the reconciliation process as gradual but ongoing. He said both sides have moved from open confrontation to what he called a “cessation of hostility,” with discussions continuing behind closed doors.

He added that negotiations often begin with hard positions but evolve over time as parties seek common ground. According to him, the goal is to reach an agreement that will strengthen the PDP as a viable opposition party.

Meanwhile, the National Chairman of the faction, Kabiru Tanimu Turaki, said the NEC meeting was initially delayed to allow leaders study the implications of the Appeal Court judgment. He said the party has now reviewed its options and is taking steps to ensure its survival.

Turaki insisted that the PDP remains a strong political institution despite internal challenges. He assured members that efforts are ongoing to keep the party on the ballot in the 2027 general elections.

“For us, all hope is not lost… we are working around the clock to ensure that the PDP remains a veritable platform,” he said.

Also speaking, Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Senator Adolphus Wabara, expressed concern over recent defections and internal disagreements. He said reconciliation efforts are still ongoing, although the committee handling the process is yet to submit its report.

In the House of Representatives, PDP caucus leader Fred Agbedi admitted that the party’s numbers have reduced but maintained that loyal members are standing firm. He urged party leaders to remain strong and resist external pressure.

At the state level, chairmen aligned with the Turaki group also pledged support for the current leadership. Edo State PDP Chairman, Tony Azigbemi, criticised what he described as attempts by individuals to impose decisions on the party without proper consultation.

He described the situation as a struggle for the soul of the PDP, insisting that due process must be followed in all party decisions.