Wike-led PDP Faction Backs Court Verdict On Party Leadership

Some members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), operating under the auspices of “Concerned Stakeholders of PDP,” have applauded a recent Federal High Court judgment that upheld constitutional order in the management of the party’s affairs.

The group described it as a landmark decision that restores discipline and internal democracy within the party.

The members, who met at the residence of the FCT minister, Nyesom Wike, issued a communiqué read by former Abia State governor, Dr Okezie Ikpeazu.

In the communiqué, they commended the judiciary for upholding truth over impunity, noting that the ruling had affirmed the supremacy of the 1999 Constitution, the Electoral Act, INEC guidelines, and the PDP constitution.

Some of those in attendance at the meeting included Wike; Ikpeazu; PDP National Secretary, Sam Anyanwu; former Benue State governor, Samuel Ortom; Senator Philip Tanimu Aduda; the Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Micah Jiba; some BoT members, including Senator Mao Ohuabunwa; and others.

According to the communiqué, the judgment conclusively affirmed Chief Dan Osi Orbih as the authentic National Vice Chairman (South-South) of the party while declaring the purported appointment of Chief Emmanuel Ogidi as null and void.

They also hailed the court for upholding the expulsion of Ali Odefa, saying the decision “has restored integrity and discipline in the administration of the party while emphasising that persons expelled from the party have no locus standi to act or litigate on its behalf.”

The communiqué further highlighted the court’s reaffirmation that all official correspondence to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) must be jointly signed by the National Chairman and the National Secretary, with the latter remaining the principal signatory to the party’s official communications.

It also noted that no valid national convention of the PDP can hold until all due processes stipulated by law, including the party’s constitution and INEC guidelines, are fully complied with.

“This judgement further establishes that the plaintiffs’ action was not an interference in the party’s internal affairs but a patriotic effort to ensure that INEC performs its constitutional duties in enthroning internal democracy in political party administration in Nigeria,” the stakeholders said.

Describing the ruling as “a crucial step towards sanitising Nigeria’s political system,” they said it reinforces lawful, transparent, and accountable political processes while rejecting impunity.

Reaffirming their commitment to the court’s decision, the group said: “We will abide by the judgment in its entirety. We commend and affirm our faith in the judiciary.”

They added that as loyal and committed party leaders, they remain open to reconciliation and collective rebuilding of the PDP.

“Our doors are open to all genuine members of the party across the country to join hands with us in returning our party to its founding ideals,” the communiqué read.