PDP Moves to Calm Members After Ibadan Court Declines Mandamus in Leadership Dispute

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has sought to reassure its members and supporters following a ruling by the Federal High Court in Ibadan, which declined to grant an order of mandamus in a suit connected to the party’s ongoing internal leadership dispute.
The party clarified that the decision, delivered on Friday, does not invalidate the Ibadan Convention or the leadership structure that emerged from it under Kabiru Turaki. According to the PDP, the court’s refusal was based solely on its position that granting the relief sought would amount to sitting on appeal over decisions of courts of coordinate jurisdiction.
In a statement issued shortly after the ruling, the PDP’s National Publicity Secretary, Comrade Ini Ememobong, explained that the judgment was not a determination on the substantive issues surrounding the convention.
“The court declined the order of mandamus on the ground that doing so would, in its view, amount to sitting on appeal over judgments of courts of coordinate jurisdiction,” the statement said.
Ememobong noted that the ruling has further highlighted the need for an appellate court to give a final and authoritative interpretation on the disputed issues. He disclosed that the party has already instructed its legal team to challenge the decision.
“We have accordingly briefed our lawyers to immediately file an appeal and to take all further legal steps necessary to advance our arguments and firmly protect our position on this matter,” he said.
The PDP maintained that the Ibadan Convention remains valid and that the leadership it produced has not been affected by the court’s decision. The party described claims suggesting otherwise as misleading and premature.
“Notwithstanding this judgment, the Kabiru Turaki–led Peoples Democratic Party, which emerged from the Ibadan Convention, remains legally intact and unshaken, as we await the authoritative pronouncement of the appellate courts,” the statement added.
The party also expressed concern about attempts by rival factions to exploit the ruling to create confusion within its ranks. It therefore called on members to remain calm, united, and focused.
“We urge our members to remain resolute and committed, as there is absolutely no cause for alarm,” the PDP said, adding that its internal reform agenda remains on track.
“The REBIRTH movement remains firmly on course,” the statement concluded.
The Ibadan ruling represents the latest development in the protracted legal battle over the leadership and direction of the PDP, with several related cases still pending before different courts across the country.