A MAJOR crack in the leadership crisis rocking the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) deepened on Wednesday after the Senator Samuel Anyanwu-led faction of the National Working Committee (NWC) announced the suspension of the party’s elective National Convention earlier scheduled for November 15 and 16 in Ibadan, Oyo State.
News Point Nigeria reports that at a press briefing in Abuja, the Acting National Chairman of the faction, Alhaji Abdulrahman Muhammed, said the decision became necessary to avoid violating an existing judgment of the Federal High Court, which had ruled on matters relating to the party’s leadership and convention plans.
Mohammed explained that although an ex parte order had emerged from a High Court in Ibadan allowing the convention to proceed, the order could not supersede a valid judgment delivered by a Federal High Court in Abuja.
He confirmed the faction had obtained the Certified True Copy (CTC) of the Abuja court judgment delivered by Justice Omotosho in Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/2120/2025, noting that the party’s National Legal Adviser, Ajibade A. (SAN), had already provided a thorough legal interpretation of the ruling.
“In strict adherence to due process and our commitment to fairness, we have filed an appeal before the Court of Appeal to seek judicial clarification in the overall interest of our party, our members, and Nigerian democracy,” he stated.
Mohammed declared that the PDP leadership under his control would not allow any activity that could amount to contempt of court.
“Any continuation with the proposed convention at this time would amount to a violation of the rule of law and shall not be condoned,” he added.
The faction also said the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), which was a party in the Abuja suit, had been formally notified of the suspension of the convention.
Reaffirming commitment to the rule of law, Mohammed said the party would continue to operate strictly in line with valid judicial directives and the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“As a responsible and democratic institution, the PDP remains unwavering in its dedication to internal party democracy and legal compliance,” he assured, while expressing confidence that every decision taken will uphold the party’s integrity and protect Nigeria’s democracy.
He also dismissed suggestions of a fractured party, insisting the PDP remains united despite visible factional confrontations.
“Let it be restated unequivocally: the PDP remains one united and indivisible family. We are strong, we are focused, and we are committed to offering credible leadership and constructive opposition for the peace, unity, and prosperity of Nigeria,” he declared.
The faction said further decisions and next steps would be communicated in due course pending the outcome of the appeal process at the Court of Appeal.