PDP Insists Ibadan Convention Remains Valid After Court Declines Mandamus

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has reaffirmed the validity of its Ibadan Convention and the leadership structure that emerged from it, following a ruling by the Federal High Court in Ibadan which declined to grant an order of mandamus in a case linked to the party’s internal leadership dispute. The party moved swiftly to reassure members and supporters that the decision does not invalidate the convention, describing interpretations to the contrary as misleading.

In a statement issued on Friday and signed by the National Publicity Secretary, Comrade Ini Ememobong, the PDP explained that the court’s ruling was based on jurisdictional considerations rather than the substance of the convention itself. The party also confirmed that it has commenced the process of challenging the decision at the appellate level.

Court Ruling and Its Implications

The Federal High Court, Ibadan, declined to grant the order of mandamus sought by parties contesting the leadership arrangement that followed the Ibadan Convention. According to the PDP, the court held that granting such relief would amount to sitting on appeal over decisions of courts of coordinate jurisdiction, a step it was unwilling to take.

Party officials stressed that the ruling should not be interpreted as a judgment on the legality or legitimacy of the Ibadan Convention. Instead, they argued that the decision underscores procedural limits on the court’s powers, leaving the substantive issues unresolved and open for determination by higher courts.

The PDP further noted that the ruling reinforces the need for a definitive and authoritative pronouncement from an appellate court to settle the disputes surrounding the party’s leadership structure.

PDP’s Response and Legal Strategy

Reacting to the judgment, the PDP announced that it has instructed its legal team to immediately file an appeal. The party said it remains confident in its position and is prepared to pursue all lawful avenues to protect the outcome of the Ibadan Convention.

Comrade Ememobong stated that the leadership led by Kabiru Turaki remains “legally intact and unshaken,” pending the resolution of the matter by appellate courts. He emphasized that the party’s internal processes and decisions have not been overturned by the Ibadan ruling.

Beyond the legal response, the PDP appealed for calm within its ranks, urging members to remain focused and united as the legal process continues. The party warned against attempts by rival factions to exploit the situation to sow confusion.

Internal Stability and Broader Party Outlook

The PDP framed the ongoing legal contest as part of a broader struggle over the party’s direction rather than a decisive setback. It maintained that its reform agenda and internal reorganization efforts remain on track despite the latest court ruling.

According to the party, the dispute over leadership is one of several cases still pending before different courts, highlighting the complexity and protracted nature of the internal contest. The leadership reiterated its commitment to resolving the matter through due process.

As the legal battles continue, the PDP said its priority is to maintain stability and cohesion among members nationwide, insisting that there is “absolutely no cause for alarm” while awaiting final judicial clarification.