Opposition party insists apex court will decide legitimacy of leadership as internal disputes deepen
The Turaki (PDP) faction has escalated its lingering leadership crisis to the Supreme Court, declaring that the apex court will ultimately determine the legitimacy of its leadership amid deepening factional disputes within the party.
In a press statement issued on Monday by its National Publicity Secretary, , the party disclosed that it had filed an appeal along with accompanying applications before the Supreme Court to resolve all issues relating to its leadership and what constitutes its internal affairs.
The PDP said the decision followed what it described as “disturbing activities” within the last 48 hours, which have sparked widespread concern among members across the country regarding the party’s stability and the future of Nigeria’s democracy.
Expressing confidence in the judiciary, the party stated that it expects the Supreme Court to “expeditiously hear and adjudicate” on the matter in the interest of justice and democratic order. It reassured its supporters and democracy advocates that the legal action was aimed at obtaining clarity on leadership disputes and restoring unity within its ranks.
The party also took a swipe at a rival faction allegedly aligned with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, , describing a recent gathering by the group as a “pre-Easter jamboree” falsely presented as a PDP national convention. According to the statement, the event violated ongoing proceedings at the Court of Appeal, where parties had earlier agreed on how the matter should be handled.
PDP further alleged that the said gathering was conducted in contempt of court, noting that all parties involved had already been served with processes relating to the Supreme Court appeal and other suits challenging the legality of the convention.
The party also revealed that a Federal High Court in Abuja, presided over by Justice Abdulmalik, had ruled in favour of the Wike-backed faction, granting them access to the party’s national secretariat and directing security agencies to provide protection during their occupation of the facility.
However, the PDP rejected the ruling, stating that it had earlier requested the judge’s recusal over alleged bias. It confirmed that its legal team has been instructed to immediately challenge the judgment at the appellate level.
Describing the situation as a defining moment for opposition politics, the party accused the administration of President and the ruling (APC) of orchestrating the crisis to weaken opposition forces and push Nigeria toward a one-party state.
