Turaki-led PDP faction heads to appeal as court refuses to grant request

 

The faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) led by Kabiru Turaki has said it will challenge the judgment of the Federal High Court sitting in Ibadan, which declined to grant its request for an order of mandamus.

The court, in its ruling delivered on Friday, held that granting the application would amount to “sitting on appeal” over decisions already reached by courts of coordinate jurisdiction. The outcome, according to the party, was anticipated.

Reacting in a statement issued on Friday and posted on X by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Ini Ememobong, the Turaki-led faction disclosed that its legal team had been directed to immediately file an appeal against the ruling.

Despite the court’s decision, the faction insisted that it remains legally recognised and unaffected by the judgment. It maintained that the Kabiru Turaki–led group, which emerged from the Ibadan Convention, is still firmly in place.

The party said it was confident that the appellate courts would eventually affirm its position, stressing that it was awaiting a final determination from higher courts.

The statement also urged party members to remain calm and steadfast, assuring them that there was no reason for concern and that the party’s rebirth movement was progressing as planned.

The development comes amid continued internal disputes within the PDP over leadership and factional recognition, with rival groups seeking judicial affirmation of their claims.

As the matter heads to the appellate court, stakeholders within the party are expected to closely monitor proceedings, given the potential implications for the PDP’s future political activities.

“Notwithstanding this judgment, the Kabiru Turaki–led Peoples Democratic Party, which emerged from the Ibadan Convention, remains legally intact and unshaken, as we await the authoritative pronouncement of the appellate courts.

“We therefore urge our members to remain resolute and committed, as there is absolutely no cause for alarm. The rebirth movement remains firmly on course,” the statement added.