The leadership crisis rocking the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has escalated, with a faction of the party announcing that it has approached the Supreme Court of Nigeria to resolve disputes surrounding the party’s leadership and internal affairs.
In a statement signed by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Comrade Ini Ememobong, the group expressed concern over what it described as “disturbing activities” within the last 48 hours, noting that many members across the country are worried about the future of the party and Nigeria’s democracy.
According to the statement, the faction has filed an appeal at the apex court seeking a determination of issues relating to the party’s leadership, particularly the question of what constitutes an internal affair of a political party.
“We have taken this battle to the Supreme Court for the determination of all issues relating to the leadership of our party,” the statement read, expressing hope that the court would expeditiously hear and adjudicate on the matter in the interest of democracy.
The statement also faulted what it described as a recent gathering tagged a PDP convention, alleging that it was held in contempt of proceedings at the Court of Appeal.
According to the faction, parties in the case had earlier entered appearances before the appellate court and agreed on how to proceed, but certain actions were allegedly taken that could prejudice the subject matter of the litigation.
It further claimed that those involved in the disputed convention had been served with processes relating to the appeal at the Supreme Court, as well as other suits challenging the validity of the gathering, which is now before the court for determination.
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Adding another layer to the dispute, the statement referenced a judgment delivered by the Federal High Court in Abuja, presided over by Justice Abdulmalik. The court reportedly granted a group described as aligned with former Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike access to the PDP national secretariat and directed security agencies to provide protection while they occupy the facility.
The faction said it had earlier sought the judge’s recusal on grounds of alleged bias and has now instructed its lawyers to file an appeal and other applications challenging the judgment.
Beyond the legal battle, the statement accused the administration of President Bola Tinubu and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of orchestrating crises within opposition parties in a bid to weaken alternative political platforms.
It alleged that the moves are part of efforts to impose a one-party state on the country, citing dissatisfaction among Nigerians over issues such as security, the economy, and social welfare.
“These are very trying times for the PDP and all opposition parties in Nigeria,” the statement noted, urging members to remain steadfast while awaiting the Supreme Court’s intervention.
The faction expressed optimism that the Supreme Court would uphold constitutional principles and its established jurisprudence regarding the jurisdiction of courts in matters relating to the internal affairs of political parties.
As the legal tussle intensifies, political observers say the outcome at the apex court could have significant implications not only for the PDP’s leadership structure but also for the broader landscape of Nigeria’s multi-party democracy.
For now, party members and stakeholders await what many describe as a decisive ruling that could determine the direction of one of Nigeria’s major opposition parties.