Turaki-led PDP Says Abuja Convention Is Contempt Of Court

The Tanimu Turaki-led Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has accused rival members within the party of acting in contempt of court by proceeding with an Abuja national convention despite ongoing legal proceedings.

In a statement issued on Monday, the Turaki group alleged that the Abuja gathering—described by its organisers as a PDP national convention—was held in defiance of the Court of Appeal, where parties had already appeared and agreed on how the leadership dispute should be handled.

According to the statement signed by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Comrade Ini Ememobong, those behind the convention ignored pending litigation and undertook actions “capable of destroying the res,” a legal term referring to the subject matter under judicial consideration.

The faction further claimed that the organisers had been duly served with processes related to an appeal filed at the Supreme Court of Nigeria, as well as other suits challenging the legitimacy of the convention.

“The validity of that gathering is now a matter before the court, which we will diligently follow to its conclusion,” the statement said.

The development marks a significant escalation in the PDP’s internal crisis, with the accusing faction insisting that the actions of the rival group amount to a disregard for judicial authority.

The statement also referenced a fresh ruling by the Federal High Court in Abuja, which granted a faction reportedly aligned with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, access to the party’s national secretariat.

Describing the judgment as unfavourable, the group said it had instructed its legal team to file an immediate appeal, while reiterating earlier concerns over alleged bias by the presiding judge.

Amid the legal battles, the faction maintained that the ultimate resolution of the leadership dispute now rests with the Supreme Court, expressing confidence that the apex court would act swiftly in the interest of justice and democracy.

The crisis within the PDP has deepened in recent days, raising concerns about internal cohesion within Nigeria’s main opposition party as it navigates multiple court cases and competing claims to leadership.