The faction of the Peoples Democratic Party led by Tanimu Turaki said on Friday that it has filed an appeal at the Supreme Court against the Court of Appeal judgment that voided its National Convention in Ibadan. The group said the legal move would run alongside ongoing reconciliation efforts within the party.
Speaking after a National Executive Committee meeting at the Bauchi Governors’ Lodge in Abuja, the faction’s National Publicity Secretary, Ini Ememobong, said the appeal had already been entered at the Supreme Court, alongside related applications, including a request for accelerated hearing. He said the court process would not stop talks aimed at restoring unity in the party.
Ememobong said the NEC ratified earlier decisions taken by the party’s National Working Committee and Board of Trustees, including moves to pursue reconciliation, challenge the appellate ruling, and continue the party’s e-registration exercise. He said the leadership believed the steps were necessary to preserve the party’s structure and ensure its readiness for the 2027 elections.
He also said the Turaki-led camp was not aware of any national convention allegedly being planned by the rival caretaker committee linked to Nyesom Wike. Even so, he said discussions between both sides were continuing and that the tone of engagement had become less hostile in recent months.
According to him, the priority is to avoid a situation in which internal disputes weaken the party’s ability to present candidates in 2027. He said reconciliation remained possible, but noted that time was a major factor and that any eventual settlement would determine the fate of pending legal actions.
At the meeting, Turaki told party members that the leadership had reviewed the implications of the Court of Appeal judgment and was weighing all available options. He said the objective was to keep the PDP on the ballot in all elections in 2027 and preserve it as a viable platform for members seeking elective office.
Turaki said the party’s survival was important not only for its members but also for Nigeria’s multi-party democracy. He added that the leadership was working to ensure the PDP remained competitive despite the crisis rocking the opposition party.
Other speakers at the meeting, including Board of Trustees Chairman Adolphus Wabara and House of Representatives caucus leader Fred Agbedi, voiced concern over the party’s internal troubles and shrinking ranks. They urged members to remain committed as leaders continue efforts to stabilise the party ahead of the next electoral cycle.
