PDP to challenge Wike-backed faction over convention

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) said on Monday it would challenge in court the outcome of a recent convention organised by a rival faction linked to Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike, as internal divisions deepen within the party.

In a statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Ini Ememobong, the PDP said it had already approached the Supreme Court to seek a final determination on disputes surrounding its leadership and internal affairs.

The party described the gathering as illegitimate and in violation of ongoing legal proceedings, stating that parties had earlier appeared before the Court of Appeal and agreed on how the matter would proceed before the convention was held. It added that those involved had been duly served with processes relating to the appeal at the Supreme Court, as well as other suits challenging the event.

“For the avoidance of doubt, we state that the pre-Easter jamboree of APC sympathisers and members of ‘Wike’s Autocratic Party’, which they mischievously tagged a PDP convention, was held in contempt of the Court of Appeal,” the statement said.

It further stated that the actions of the organisers were “capable of destroying the res”, noting that the validity of the convention is now a matter before the courts and would be pursued to a logical conclusion.

The PDP also disclosed that a Federal High Court in Abuja had ruled in favour of the rival faction, granting it access to the party’s national secretariat and directing security agencies to provide protection for them while occupying the premises. The party said it had instructed its lawyers to immediately appeal the judgment and file additional applications.

The leadership crisis, which has lingered for months, has split the PDP into competing camps and raised concerns over control of party structures ahead of future elections. The latest developments mark a significant escalation, with legal battles now spanning multiple courts.

“We have taken this battle to the Supreme Court for the determination of all the issues relating to the leadership of our party,” the statement said, adding that the party was hopeful the apex court would “expeditiously hear and adjudicate on this matter.”

The PDP urged its members to remain calm and keep faith in the judicial process, expressing confidence that the Supreme Court would provide clarity on the leadership dispute and uphold constitutional provisions governing political party affairs.