PDP Dismisses Rumours Of 2027 Election Exit, Says Litigations Pose No Threat

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has dismissed rumours suggesting that it might not participate in the 2027 general election following ongoing litigations within the party, particularly those linked to the post-Ibadan convention.

The party’s national publicity secretary, Comrade Ini Ememobong, described the speculation as unfounded and a deliberate attempt by mischief makers to drag the name of the party into disrepute.

Speaking in an interview with LEADERSHIP Weekend, Ememobong said there is no legal or institutional impediment preventing the PDP from contesting the 2027 general election.

“I do not know where this rumour is coming from because, as far as I know, there has been no hindrance to our participation in the 2027 election,” he said.

He pointed to the party’s recent activities as proof of its legal standing, noting that the PDP had successfully submitted the names of its candidates for the Abuja Area Councils election, which were duly rectified by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

“We have submitted the names of our candidates for the Abuja local council election, and INEC has rectified them,” he stated.

Ememobong also addressed concerns surrounding the removal of the PDP’s Ekiti State governorship candidate, clarifying that the development was a result of litigation arising from the conduct of the party’s primary election, not from any question about the PDP’s eligibility to field candidates.

According to him, the matter has progressed to the Court of Appeal, and the affected candidate is awaiting the outcome of the legal process.

Recall that a Federal High Court sitting in Ado-Ekiti nullified the PDP governorship primary election that produced Dr Wole Oluyede as the party’s candidate. The court held that the primary election did not comply with the provisions of the PDP constitution and the Electoral Act.

Specifically, the court ruled that the PDP failed to submit an original and authentic list of statutory and ad hoc delegates, a requirement under the law. Consequently, the court ordered the party to conduct a fresh governorship primary election that must include all eligible aspirants.