PDP crisis deepens as Tanimu Turaki faction rejects convention, labels it illegitimate

A faction of the Peoples Democratic Party led by Tanimu Turaki has rejected the outcome of the party’s recent national convention, describing it as illegitimate and a breach of ongoing court proceedings.

In a statement issued on Monday by its National Publicity Secretary, Comrade Ini Ememobong, the group criticised the exercise organised by loyalists of Nyesom Wike, branding it a “pre-Easter jamboree” allegedly backed by external interests.

“For the avoidance of doubt, we state that the pre-Easter jamboree of APC sympathisers and members of ‘Wike’s Autocratic Party’, which they mischievously tagged a PDP convention, was held in contempt of the Court of Appeal,” the statement read.

The faction said it has approached the Supreme Court to resolve the party’s leadership dispute, expressing confidence that the apex court will provide clarity on the issues.

“We reassure that we have taken this battle to the Supreme Court for the determination of all the issues relating to the leadership of our party… we are hopeful that sooner, rather than later, the apex court will… adjudicate on this matter,” it said.

According to the group, the validity of the convention is already before the courts, noting that legal processes challenging the exercise had been duly filed and served.

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

The faction also faulted a Federal High Court ruling which reportedly granted access to the PDP national secretariat to the rival group, saying it would challenge the judgment.

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

Amid the crisis, the group alleged that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) was behind the internal turmoil within the opposition.

“These crises are clearly orchestrated by the Bola Tinubu-led APC government… determined to foist a one-party state on the country,” it claimed.

Describing the situation as a difficult period for the PDP and other opposition parties, the faction urged members to remain hopeful and committed to the party’s survival.

“We urge our members… to keep hope alive in the sincere expectation that the apex court will come to the rescue of multi-party democracy,” it said.

The PDP has been grappling with deepening internal divisions since the 2023 elections, with rival factions claiming the party’s leadership and structure.

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