By SUNTV Global Channel | Abuja
Fri, January 30, 2026 | 7:03pm WAT
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), under the leadership of its National Chairman, Tanimu Turaki, SAN, has outrightly rejected the judgment of the Federal High Court which nullified the party’s National Convention held in Ibadan, describing the ruling as “purely academic” and lacking practical effect.
Addressing journalists at a press conference in Abuja on Friday, Turaki announced that the party has already filed a Notice of Appeal and a Motion for Stay of Execution, insisting that the judgment will be overturned at the appellate level.
According to him, the PDP had approached the court solely to seek an order of mandamus compelling the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to formally recognise the Ibadan Convention and resume official correspondence with the party.
However, Turaki alleged that the court went beyond the issues presented before it.
“The court granted reliefs that were neither sought nor canvassed by any of the parties before it,” he said.
The PDP Chairman further revealed that during the proceedings, some former party members who had earlier been expelled were allowed to join the suit, a development he described as questionable given the original scope of the case.
Despite the ruling, Turaki maintained that the National Working Committee (NWC) produced by the Ibadan Convention remains legally valid and operational.
“This judgment is only one of several decisions of the Federal High Court on this subject. The core issues are already before the Court of Appeal. In that sense, this ruling is technically academic, pending the final and authoritative pronouncement of the appellate courts,” he stated.
He reassured PDP members nationwide that the party’s leadership structure remains intact and focused.
“There is absolutely no cause for alarm. The National Working Committee is firmly in place and fully committed to the ongoing rebirth of the Peoples Democratic Party.”
Turaki concluded by urging party faithful and supporters across the country to remain calm, resolute, and united, stressing that the PDP’s reform agenda remains on course despite the legal setback.
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