ABUJA – The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Friday moved quickly to steady nerves within its ranks after the Federal High Court in Ibadan declined to grant an order of mandamus in a case linked to the party’s internal leadership dispute, insisting that the Kabiru Turaki–led structure that emerged from the Ibadan Convention remains firmly in place.
The party said the ruling, delivered earlier in the day, did not amount to a judgment on the validity of the Ibadan Convention, but was instead anchored on the court’s view that granting the relief sought would mean sitting on appeal over decisions of courts of coordinate jurisdiction.
In a statement issued shortly after the judgment and signed by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Comrade Ini Ememobong, the PDP said it had already set in motion the process of challenging the ruling, even as it urged members to remain calm and focused.
“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 PDP said.
According to the party, the court’s position only reinforces the need for an appellate court to give a final and authoritative pronouncement on the issues in dispute.
“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.
The party was emphatic that the Ibadan Convention and the leadership it produced have not been shaken by the ruling, describing suggestions to the contrary as premature and 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.
Beyond the legal process, the PDP said its immediate concern was to prevent uncertainty among party members and supporters, particularly at a time when rival factions are eager to exploit any perceived weakness.
“We therefore urge our members to remain resolute and committed as there is absolutely no cause for alarm,” the party said.
Framing the dispute as part of a broader political struggle rather than a terminal legal setback, the PDP said its reform agenda remains unaffected by the Ibadan ruling.
“The REBIRTH movement remains firmly on course,” the statement said.
The Ibadan judgment is the latest twist in a long-running contest over the control and direction of the PDP, with several cases still pending before different courts.
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