By Peter Omopo
The Turaki-backed faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has declared that the Supreme Court will have the final say in resolving the ongoing leadership crisis within the party.
In a statement issued on Monday, the faction’s National Publicity Secretary, Ini Ememobong, disclosed that an appeal and accompanying applications had been filed before the apex court to seek clarity on contentious issues surrounding the party’s leadership structure, particularly on what constitutes internal party affairs.
The development follows the recent national convention held in Abuja by a rival faction reportedly aligned with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, during which new members of the National Working Committee were elected.
The Turaki faction described the convention as illegitimate, alleging that it was conducted in defiance of ongoing legal proceedings. The group claimed that parties involved had previously appeared before the Court of Appeal and agreed on a procedural path, only for the convention to be held despite pending litigation.
According to the statement, the validity of the convention is now before the courts, with the faction expressing confidence that the Supreme Court will expedite the hearing and provide a definitive ruling in the interest of democracy.
The faction also criticised a ruling by the Federal High Court in Abuja, presided over by Justice Joyce Abdulmalik, which granted access to the PDP national secretariat to the opposing group. It alleged bias and confirmed that its legal team had been directed to challenge the judgment at the appellate level.
Reaffirming its stance, the faction urged party members and Nigerians to remain hopeful, stating that the judiciary has a responsibility to uphold democratic principles and constitutional provisions.
It expressed optimism that the Supreme Court’s eventual ruling would clarify the limits of judicial intervention in party affairs and restore order within the PDP ahead of future political activities.
