PDP’s Fielding Of Candidates Depends On Supreme Court Verdict – Turaki’s Faction

The Tanimu Turaki-led Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has said the party’s ability to field candidates in future elections hinges on the outcome of the Supreme Court judgment on its lingering leadership crisis.

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The position was made known by the PDP National Publicity Secretary, Ini Ememobong, during an appearance on Channels Television on Wednesday.

Ememobong, who spoke from the faction aligned with Tanimu Turaki, said efforts to reconcile aggrieved members had failed due to resistance from the opposing camp.

“There is a philosophical underpinning you must appreciate: we have bent over backward to say, ‘Let’s reconcile.’ However, you cannot reconcile with an unwilling party,” he said.

According to him, the crisis has now reached a critical stage, with the Supreme Court’s decision expected to determine the party’s immediate future.

“We are now before the Supreme Court. Whatever the Supreme Court decides will have a significant impact on the PDP,” he stated.

He explained that if the apex court upholds the judgment of the Court of Appeal in its entirety, the implication would be that the party could be left without a recognised leadership.

“This is because the judgment recognises the suspension of key figures on the other side, including Anyanwu and Ajibade. As it stands, there is no stay of execution on that suspension,” he said.

Ememobong added that such a scenario could severely affect the party’s participation in elections.

“If the Supreme Court upholds the judgment as it is, it means there will be a political party without leadership, and that may mean the PDP will not be able to present candidates,” he warned.

He, however, noted that a different outcome could restore the party’s structure and electoral prospects.

“But if the Supreme Court allows the appeal, it means the main PDP, as an opposition led by Turaki, can then present candidates,” he said.

The PDP has been embroiled in a protracted internal crisis, with rival factions laying claim to its leadership, raising concerns about its preparedness for upcoming elections.