PDP chieftain urges unity after S’Court convention verdict

A chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party, Chief Kefas Ropshik, has called on stakeholders of the party to embrace unity and reconciliation following the recent Supreme Court judgment on the party’s leadership structure.

He made the appeal in a statement issued in Abuja on Sunday.

The development comes amid heightened tensions triggered by the apex court’s ruling on the disputed Ibadan national convention.

Reacting to the verdict, which reportedly invalidated the convention, the Plateau State governorship aspirant described the development as a defining constitutional moment for the party, urging members to exercise restraint and avoid actions capable of deepening divisions.

Ropshik also warned against misinterpretation of the judgment, noting that the Certified True Copy had yet to be released.

He said, “The Peoples Democratic Party has, in recent times, endured significant internal turbulence, ideological contestation and factional divisions that have tested the resilience of our great party.

“The recent judicial pronouncement by the Supreme Court that invalidated the Ibadan convention, thereby recognising the Abdulrahman-led leadership, represents a critical constitutional moment that demands maturity, restraint and institutional discipline from all stakeholders.”

Ropshik further emphasised the need for party members to respect the leadership currently recognised by the Independent National Electoral Commission pending a full review of the court’s decision.

“While the Certified True Copy of the judgment is yet to be formally released, wisdom dictates that the leadership presently recognised by the Independent National Electoral Commission be accorded due legitimacy, rather than subjected to premature or self-serving interpretations of the court’s decision,” he added.

He also cautioned against triumphalism and divisive celebrations, stressing that the party must prioritise healing and rebuilding.

“This, however, is not a moment for triumphalism or factional celebration. It is a moment for reconciliation, unity and collective purpose,” he noted.

Despite the crisis, the PDP chieftain expressed optimism about the party’s prospects ahead of the 2027 general elections, insisting that it remains a formidable political force.

“Amid the uncertainties of recent months, one undeniable truth remains — the Peoples Democratic Party remains firmly on the ballot in this electoral cycle.

“That reality vindicates the loyalty and steadfastness of party faithful who refused to abandon the party in its most challenging season.

“The darkest days are behind us, and with unity and conviction, the light at the end of the tunnel is now clearly within sight,” he declared.

The Supreme Court on Thursday invalidated the national convention of the PDP held in Ibadan, Oyo State, on November 15 and 16, 2025, deepening the leadership crisis within Nigeria’s main opposition party ahead of the 2027 general elections.

In a split decision by a five-member panel, three justices held that the appeal filed by a faction led by former Minister of Special Duties, Tanimu Turaki (SAN), lacked merit, affirming earlier rulings of the Federal High Court and the Court of Appeal, which nullified the convention.