Leadership crisis: Wike-led PDP hails Appeal Court verdict as Turaki faction heads to S’Court

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Nyesom Wike-led faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has hailed the Court of Appeal judgement affirming its leadership.

The appellate court dismissed a suit challenging the earlier judgement of the Federal High Court in Abuja on the party’s leadership.

The suit was instituted by the party’s Board of Trustees (BoT), led by Adolphus Wabara, alongside Prof. Jerry Gana, Babangida Aliyu, Maryam Inna, Ciroma and others.

It was instituted against the party’s Interim National Working Committee (NWC), led by Tanimu Turaki (SAN).

The PDP National Publicity Secretary, Jungudo Mohammed, confirmed the development in a statement issued on Wednesday, November 4, 2026.

The Court of Appeal unanimously affirmed the lower court’s decision and upheld the dismissal of the appeal.

Mohammed described the judgement as a major victory for the PDP, the rule of law and the supremacy of its constitution.

Mohammed said the ruling further affirmed the legitimacy of the National Working Committee led by Abdulrahman Mohammed.

He identified Samuel Anyanwu as the authentic National Secretary of the party.

“The unanimous decision of the Court of Appeal should put to rest any perceived lingering doubts regarding the legitimacy of the party’s recognised leadership,” he stated.

Mohammed said the judgement reaffirmed that the party’s affairs must follow its constitution, established procedures and the rule of law.

Mohammed urged PDP members, leaders, and stakeholders to respect the court’s pronouncement and work towards rebuilding the party.

He also called for stronger internal cohesion and preparations for the political tasks ahead.

Mohammed said: “At this critical moment, the PDP must rise above unnecessary distractions, factional interests and divisive tendencies.

“Our collective responsibility is to protect the party, restore its unity and reposition it as a credible alternative for Nigerians.”

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Meanwhile, the Turaki-led Interim NWC said it would challenge the judgement at the Supreme Court.

The faction’s National Publicity Secretary, Ini Ememobong, in a statement on Wednesday, said the faction respected the court’s judgment but remained determined to pursue justice.

Ememobong disclosed that the faction had instructed its lawyers to immediately file an appeal before the Supreme Court.

“It is our belief that no matter how deep the truth is buried, if those seeking it are persistent in digging, it will one day resurface,” he said.

Ememobong argued that the PDP must remain an independent opposition party rather than become an appendage of the ruling party.

“Democracy survives only when the opposition is strong enough to effectively engage the government,” he said.

He urged party members to remain firm and resolute as the faction approached the apex court.

Ememobong expressed optimism that the legal battle would ultimately strengthen multiparty democracy and benefit future generations.