PDP affirms leadership from Ibadan convention after Federal High Court ruling

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has moved to reassure members following a ruling by the Federal High Court in Ibadan, which declined to grant an order of mandamus in a case tied to the party’s ongoing leadership dispute, insisting that the leadership elected at the Ibadan Convention remains valid and binding.

Reacting promptly to the judgment delivered on Friday, the party clarified that the court’s decision did not invalidate the Ibadan Convention or the leadership it produced. Instead, the ruling was based solely on jurisdictional grounds.

In a statement signed by the PDP National Publicity Secretary, Comrade Ini Ememobong, the party explained that the court refused the relief sought on the basis that granting such an order would amount to reviewing decisions of courts of coordinate jurisdiction.

“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 statement read.

The PDP said the ruling highlights the need for a higher court to provide an authoritative interpretation on the disputed issues surrounding the party’s leadership.

“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.

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The party insisted that the judgment does not diminish the legitimacy of the leadership that emerged from the Ibadan Convention, led by Kabiru Turaki, dismissing claims to the contrary as 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 added.

Addressing potential concerns within its ranks, the PDP urged members and supporters to remain calm and focused, warning against efforts by rival factions to exploit the ruling.

“We therefore urge our members to remain resolute and committed as there is absolutely no cause for alarm,” the party said.

The statement also downplayed the impact of the court’s decision on the party’s broader political agenda, affirming that its internal reform efforts remain on course.

“The REBIRTH movement remains firmly on course,” the PDP added.

The Ibadan ruling marks the latest development in the protracted legal and political contest over the PDP’s leadership, with multiple related cases still pending in courts across Nigeria.