Embattled PDP faction drags INEC-recognised leadership to S’Court

The crisis rocking the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has escalated, with a faction of the party loyal to Tanimu Turaki announcing that it has taken the leadership dispute to the Supreme Court for final determination.

In a statement issued on Monday, the faction’s National Publicity Secretary, Ini Ememobong, said the move followed what it described as “disturbing developments” within the party in the last 48 hours.

The group maintained that the apex court would have the final say on all issues relating to the PDP leadership, particularly matters concerning what constitutes the party’s internal affairs.

“We have taken this battle to the Supreme Court for the determination of all the issues relating to the leadership of our party,” the statement read.

The faction also dismissed the recent PDP convention, describing it as a gathering allegedly influenced by supporters of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and loyalists of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.

It claimed that the convention was held in defiance of ongoing legal proceedings, insisting that its validity is now subject to judicial review.

“The so-called convention was held in contempt of the Court of Appeal and is now a matter before the Supreme Court,” the statement added.

The group further expressed dissatisfaction with a Federal High Court judgment delivered in Abuja, which reportedly granted a rival faction access to the PDP national secretariat and directed security agencies to provide protection.

According to the statement, the faction has instructed its legal team to challenge the ruling.

“We have directed our lawyers to immediately file an appeal and other relevant applications against this judgment,” it said.

The Turaki-led group accused the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of interfering in the internal affairs of opposition parties, alleging a broader attempt to weaken alternative political platforms.

“These crises are clearly orchestrated by the APC government, which is determined to foist a one-party state on the country,” the statement claimed.

It, however, urged party members and supporters to remain calm and hopeful, expressing confidence that the Supreme Court would resolve the dispute in favour of constitutional order and multi-party democracy.