Prominent members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have thrown their weight behind the Federal High Court judgment that halted the party’s planned national convention, describing the verdict as a bold step toward restoring internal democracy and constitutional order within the opposition party.
Meeting at the Life Camp residence of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, the stakeholders, in a communique presented by former Abia State Governor, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu, praised the judiciary for standing firm in defence of truth and fairness.
According to the communique, the judgment reaffirmed the supremacy of the 1999 Constitution, the Electoral Act, INEC guidelines, and the PDP constitution as binding instruments guiding party administration and operations.
Among the notable figures at the meeting were Wike, Ikpeazu, PDP National Secretary Senator Samuel Anyanwu, former Benue State Governor Samuel Ortom, Senator Philip Aduda, Hon. Micah Jiba, the Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, and several PDP Board of Trustees members alongside lawmakers from the South-East, South-South, and North-Central regions.
In a key highlight, the group celebrated the court’s recognition of Chief Dan Orbih as the legitimate National Vice Chairman (South-South) while declaring the appointment of Chief Emmanuel Ogidi illegal and of no effect.
The ruling also confirmed the expulsion of Ali Odefa, which the stakeholders said had restored accountability and discipline in party management, stressing that expelled members lack legal authority to act or litigate on behalf of the PDP.
Another major takeaway from the judgment was the reaffirmation that all official letters to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) must be jointly endorsed by both the National Chairman and the National Secretary, with the latter serving as the principal signatory for all party correspondences.
Furthermore, the stakeholders emphasized that the PDP cannot hold any national convention without complying with all constitutional and legal provisions, including INEC’s mandatory 21-day notice for supervision and monitoring.
They explained that the plaintiff’s action before the court was not an intrusion into the party’s internal matters but a patriotic bid to ensure that INEC upholds its constitutional role in promoting transparency and internal democracy among political parties.
Describing the verdict as “a significant turning point in sanitizing Nigeria’s political process,” the stakeholders said it reinforces integrity, orderliness, and lawful conduct in political party governance.
Reaffirming their total support for the judgment, the group stated that they will fully comply with the court’s decision, commending the judiciary for its courage and fairness in delivering justice.
Expressing commitment to unity and reconciliation, the stakeholders assured that they remain open to genuine peace efforts and collective rebuilding of the PDP for a stronger and more united party.
In conclusion, they urged members across the country to continue standing for truth, justice, and the rule of law — the very principles that, they said, form the foundation of the PDP and its promise to Nigerians.
