The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) factions loyal to the party’s governors and those supporting the minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, have voiced confidence ahead of today’s Appeal Court judgment today that the ruling will favor them, asserting that legal precedents and statutory regulations back their claims.
The Court of Appeal has set Monday for the judgment on the consolidated cases related to the PDP, as confirmed by Ini Ememobong, the National Publicity Secretary of the National Working Committee led by Tanimu Turaki (SAN) and supported by Governors Seyi Makinde of Oyo State and Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State.
Likewise, the National Publicity Secretary of the caretaker committee headed by Mohammed Abdulrahman (Acting National Chairman) and Samuel Anyanwu (Acting National Secretary) and supported by Wike and Jungudo Mohammed stated that the leadership conflict within the PDP was set for a decision at the Court of Appeal in Abuja.
In individual interviews with our correspondent, both factions conveyed optimism that the ruling would be in their favor.
PDP governors had previously backed the Ibadan convention, which on November 15 elected Turaki and other NWC members for a four-year term.
The governors also oversaw the leadership transition from former acting chairman Umar Damagum to Turaki before the end of Damagum’s term on December 9.
A faction aligned with the FCT Minister formed a 13-member caretaker committee on December 8, designating Abdulrahman as interim national chairman and Anyanwu as interim national secretary, among others, with a mandate lasting 60 days.
Attempts by the Wike-aligned faction and the governors’ camp to hold meetings at the PDP National Secretariat, Wadata Plaza, on November 18, 2025, descended into chaos, resulting in disorder and physical confrontations.
After the event, the Nigeria Police Force locked the secretariat, which has stayed shut ever since.
Both factions later sought acknowledgment from the Independent National Electoral Commission, yet the commission denied recognition to both groups, leading to extended legal disputes.
A consolidated case pending before the Appeal Court is suit FHC/ABJ/CS/2120/2025, which resulted in a ruling that suspended the party’s convention until it adheres entirely to its constitutional provisions, the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and the Electoral Act.
The lawsuit was filed by three disgruntled individuals from the Peoples Democratic Party: Austin Nwachukwu (PDP Chairman, Imo State), Amah Abraham Nnanna (PDP Chairman, Abia State), and Turnah Alabh George (PDP Secretary, South-South).
A notable lawsuit was initiated by ex-Governor Sule Lamido (Adamawa). In that regard, Justice Peter Lifu issued a directive prohibiting INEC from supervising, monitoring, or acknowledging any PDP convention that did not include the plaintiff as a candidate.
Three additional cases, one stemming from the Oyo State High Court, are also contesting the legitimacy of the party’s convention set for November 15–16.
Another lawsuit involves the shutdown of the PDP National Secretariat at Wadata Plaza, registered as FHC/ABJ/CS/2520/2025, which was brought against the Nigeria Police Force.
On February 12, the Nigerian Court of Appeal reviewed all the combined cases concerning the PDP leadership conflict and notified the involved parties last week that the verdict would be issued today, Monday.
The result of the cases now pending in the Court of Appeal is crucial and will decide the party’s leadership.
The Wike-aligned faction expressed confidence in today’s Court of Appeal judgment, stating that the precedents established by the Supreme Court of Nigeria back their stance and that they are certain of a favorable outcome.
The faction’s National Publicity Secretary, Mohammed, stated, “Yes, we are very optimistic in the sense that the provisions of the law and the precedents already established by the Supreme Court and the Court of Appeal give us strong confidence that the judgment will be in our favor.
“You cannot violate the Electoral Act, the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, or the constitution of the party in conducting a convention.
“Not only were these violated, but there was also disobedience to existing court judgments. You cannot do that and expect it to stand, because what they did amounted to building something on nothing. So we are quite optimistic.
“As regards the insinuation they have been relying on that it is an internal party affair and that the courts do not have jurisdiction over such matters, the Supreme Court judgment recently delivered in respect of the case involving the now-elected chairman of Bwari Area Council under the APC has already settled that issue.
“In that judgment, the Supreme Court clearly stated that the issue of internal party affairs is not absolute. There are certain actions that, if taken, fall outside the purview of internal party affairs of a party.
“So, based on that judgment and the precedents we already know, we are quite optimistic that this judgment will be in our favor by the grace of God.”
Speaking on their next course of action if the judgment goes against them, Mohammed expressed confidence that the outcome would favor them, adding that their focus would be on immediately organizing a proper national convention for the PDP.
He stated, “I am not looking at the possibility of the judgment going against us. By the grace of God, it will not go against us.
“We are not approaching this matter from a pessimistic perspective. Rather, we are focused on what our next steps will be once the judgment is delivered, which includes preparations for the national convention. So we are not pessimistic about it for even a second.”
In his reaction, the Turaki-led NWC spokesman said the leadership had confidence in the judiciary, expressing optimism that the judgment would reinforce democracy and strengthen the multi-party system in Nigeria.
Ememobong stated, “Our party is also expected to be in court tomorrow as the appeal court rules on matters affecting the leadership of the party.
“Our optimism lies in the fact that we submitted ourselves to the jurisdiction of the courts and we believe in the judiciary in its complete sense.
“When you look at the case, you will see that the law, as it is, especially the position of the Supreme Court, supports our matter.
“So we are hopeful that justice, according to law, will be done. At the end of the day, democracy must survive. The multi-party system must survive because it is more important.
“We are optimistic that the case before the court is meritorious, and we are very hopeful that justice according to law will be done.”
Speaking on what their response would be if the judgment did not favor them, Ememobong stated that their next course of action would depend on the reasoning contained in the court’s decision.
He stated, “First, every judgment is based on reasoning. So you listen to the reasoning of the court. It is just like when the Supreme Court gave a judgment on the ‘unsure’ option.
“Within that judgment, even the dissenting judgment laid the foundations upon which a political solution that was later arrived at is being implemented today.
“So you do not preempt the judgment. You listen to the reasoning of the court. Away from law school, it is the judge and the court that are called to interpret the law, because at the time some of these laws were made, certain situations being interpreted today were not in operation.
“So the court now becomes the institution that interprets the intention of the lawmakers. It is the reasoning of the law and the reasoning that grounds the judgment that we will listen to. Until you listen to that reasoning, you cannot honestly analyze or take a decision on the basis of a judgment.”
The PDP Governors Forum conveyed its trust in the judiciary and urged all party members to remain composed before the ruling.
In a statement released on Sunday, the Director General, Dr. Emmanuel Agbo, emphasized that the party was dedicated to providing Nigerians with a robust, trustworthy, and people-centered political option.
The statement read: “The Peoples Democratic Party Governors’ Forum (PDP-GF), under the chairmanship of Senator Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed, the Governor of Bauchi State, on behalf of the forum, willfully addresses the party members and faithful as Nigeria awaits the ruling of the Appeal Court tomorrow, Monday, March 9, 2026, on the leadership crisis within the PDP.
“We stand at a defining moment for our democracy. The judiciary, as the custodian of justice, carries the weight of ensuring fairness, impartiality, and the preservation of national stability.
“Whatever the decision may be, the PDP reaffirms its respect for the judicial process and its commitment to peace.
“We call on all party members and leaders to show maximum restraint and calm and be law-abiding before, during, and after the judgment, as leadership will meet immediately to review the judgment and chart the necessary post-judgment line of action,” the statement read.
The party described the judiciary as an impartial institution.
“The judiciary has always remained the only impartial and people-oriented arm of government whose tireless defense of the constitution has ensured the stability of our democratic governance,” the statement added.
It urged members with political aspirations to contest the 2027 general election to have faith in the party’s ability to provide the platform that would ensure their electoral victories.
“Notwithstanding the fact that INEC has already published the timetable for the general election, the party will ensure the protection and realization of their political ambitions,” he said.
It added, “Looking ahead to the 2027 general election, the PDP remains resolute in its mission to provide Nigerians with a strong, credible, and people-centered alternative.
“No ruling can erase the will of Nigerians for a fair and competitive political system. We are prepared to participate fully in the democratic process, ensuring that the voices of the people are heard and respected.
Previously, a PDP governorship candidate in Lagos State, Funso Doherty, requested the president of the Court of Appeal of Nigeria to hasten the decision on an ongoing appeal regarding the party’s leadership.
In a letter from March 5, 2026, directed to the chief of the appellate court in Abuja, Doherty expressed that a prompt resolution of the appeal would offer clarity for party members and electoral stakeholders in anticipation of the 2027 election cycle.
He believes that the results of the appeals could greatly affect the party’s internal procedures before its primaries and ultimately impact the trustworthiness of candidates offered to voters.
He cautioned that ambiguity regarding the party’s leadership framework could hinder primary preparations and lead to legal concerns about the validity of candidates presented for the elections.
“The pendency or outcome of these appeals will significantly affect not just the internal preparations and processes leading to the PDP’s party primaries and related electoral activities but also the validity and legitimacy of the ballot options that will be presented to the Nigerian public on election day,” Doherty wrote.
The Lagos politician stated that the consequences might reach beyond the party, possibly impacting the legitimacy of election results for different positions if the leadership conflict is not settled prior to important electoral deadlines.
Doherty cited the timetable issued by INEC, indicating that party primaries are set to begin on April 23, 2026.
He contended that a decision from the appellate court prior to that date would assist the party, election officials, and other stakeholders.
“In view of the time-sensitive nature of election engagements and the need for clarity, I most respectfully crave the indulgence of Your Lordship towards swift determination of the consolidated appeal,” he stated.
He mentioned that a prompt ruling would offer “invaluable guidance” to everyone concerned, especially the electoral commission, tasked with overseeing party primaries and accepting nominations for candidates.
Doherty, nonetheless, recognized the court’s constitutional autonomy and judgment in setting schedules and issuing verdicts, emphasizing that his appeal was submitted with “the highest regard” for the judiciary.
