By Desire Emmanuel
Chairmen of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the states have expressed support for the Tanimu Turaki-led National Working Committee (NWC), saying that the organ remains lawful
The chairmen reacted on Saturday despite Friday’s judgment of an Ibadan Federal High Court which nullified the November 15 and 16 national convention of the party held in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, that produced the Turaki-led NWC.
The chairmen, under the aegis of the Forum of PDP State Chairmen, said it backed the decision of the NWC to appeal the judgment, adding that until all appeals were disposed of, the organ remained the lawful body to lead the party.
“We wish to unequivocally express our total solidarity and unflinching support for the National Chairman and the entire National Working Committee (NWC) as constituted by the Ibadan National Convention.
“The Forum notes with concern that the judgment in question declined the relief of mandamus sought by the Party, while proceeding to grant reliefs that were neither prayed for nor canvassed by any of the parties before the court.
“We further note that the said judgment stands in material conflict with subsisting judgments and orders of courts of coordinate jurisdiction on the same subject matter,” Chairman of the Forum, Mr Tony Aziegbemi, stated.
The chairmen commended the NWC for appealing the judgment and filing for a stay of execution, describing the step taken as democratic.
The forum further stated, “It is therefore reassuring that the party has already exercised its constitutional right of appeal and filed the appropriate motions for stay of execution, in line with established legal principles and democratic norms.
“We align fully with the position of the National Working Committee under the leadership of Kabiru Tanimu Turaki that this judgment represents only one step in an ongoing judicial process, especially as the substantive issues are already before the Court of Appeal for determination.
“For the avoidance of doubt, the Forum of PDP State Chairmen affirms that the National Working Committee produced by the Ibadan Convention remains the lawful, recognised, and operational leadership of our party, and continues to enjoy the confidence and loyalty of PDP structures across the states of the federation.
“We urge all party members, supporters, and stakeholders nationwide to remain calm, focused, and united. There is no vacuum in the leadership of our Party, and there is absolutely no cause for panic.
*The PDP has weathered difficult moments in the past and has always emerged stronger. This moment is no exception. What we are witnessing is merely one of the judicial turns in our democratic journey, not the destination itself.
“The Forum remains fully committed to the rebirth and rebuilding of the Peoples Democratic Party, and we reaffirm our collective resolve to strengthen party unity, deepen internal democracy, and reposition the PDP as the credible alternative capable of rescuing Nigeria.”
