A faction within the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), aligned with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has urged the party to adhere to court rulings that have halted this weekend’s National Convention.
Speaking at a joint press conference on Friday, Barr. George Turna (PDP South-South Zonal Secretary), Hon. Amah Abraham (PDP Chairman, Abia), and Hon. Austin Nwachukwu (Imo Chairman) noted that both the Federal High Court in Abuja and the six-man reconciliation committee set up by the Board of Trustees (BoT) supported the postponement of the convention.
“We fully accept the BoT committee’s recommendations. If the other faction rejects this golden opportunity for peace, we will proceed with the appeal. If they continue in defiance, the matter may go all the way to the Supreme Court. Eventually, the rule of law will prevail,” Turna said.
He disclosed that the group has appealed the judgment of Justice James Omotosho at the Court of Appeal, emphasizing that once a matter is before an appellate court, all parties must maintain the status quo.
“You cannot proceed with a convention. Furthermore, Justice Lifu’s ruling today on unlawful exclusion strengthens this. Any attempt to go ahead will be in open violation of the law. No PDP convention can hold tomorrow or any other day because the Acting National Chairman and National Secretary, the only officers empowered to issue notices, have officially stated that there will be no convention anywhere in Nigeria. That is the lawful position,” Turna added.
Nwachukwu called for the implementation of the BoT report, stressing that it did not originate from the Wike group.
“It came from the BoT, the conscience of our party. We urge the leadership to implement the recommendations quickly, as this will address our concerns and restore order. Many members are frustrated because the party is in disarray. We deserve commendation for having the courage to challenge illegality”, he said.
Abraham, the PDP Chairman in Abia State, added that implementing the BoT’s recommendations would restore sanity in the party.
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