PDP Vows to Survive Leadership Crisis, Turaki Assures Amid Legal Challenges

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has expressed confidence in its ability to survive its current leadership crisis. National Chairman of the PDP Interim National Working Committee (INWC), Kabiru Tanimu Turaki, made this statement in Abuja during a meeting with eight PDP governorship candidates. Turaki declared that neither the PDP nor Nigeria would collapse despite the ongoing political and legal challenges.

Turaki's comments come amid a recent Court of Appeal judgment that has created uncertainty within the party. The PDP chairman revealed that the party had received numerous calls and messages from concerned members, including founding fathers, Board of Trustees (BoT) members, and former and serving leaders. The party's lawyers have been instructed to study the judgment and advise on the next steps.

The PDP is currently facing a legal battle over the Court of Appeal judgment, which Turaki believes does not affect the party's leadership. According to him, the party's leadership, which conducted its nomination processes, remains legitimate. The party has submitted the names and particulars of its candidates to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), which has accepted them.

Turaki explained that the party's BoT members have instituted a legal action seeking judicial clarification on the effect of previous judgments on the party's leadership and candidates. The action is not a fresh suit designed to create another leadership dispute, but rather a request for the courts to interpret the combined effect of existing judgments.

The PDP chairman expressed confidence that the Supreme Court would properly consider the party's concerns if the matter is taken to the apex court. Turaki appealed for calm among party members and supporters, urging them to remain resolute and prepared for the 2027 elections. He expressed confidence that the PDP would emerge victorious if its candidates were allowed on the ballot.

The governorship candidates, who visited the INWC to express solidarity with the party leadership, urged the leadership to remain united and respect the rule of law. They called for a broader platform for reconciliation and constructive engagement among aggrieved members to prevent the prolonged crisis from weakening the party.

The PDP's leadership crisis has created uncertainty ahead of the 2027 general elections. However, Turaki's assurance that the party will survive and remain relevant has been welcomed by party members and supporters. The party's ability to navigate its current challenges will be crucial in determining its prospects in the upcoming elections.

Key points

• PDP National Chairman Kabiru Turaki says party will survive, remain relevant ahead of 2027 elections