Edo PDP Celebrates Appeal Court Decision Backing Party Leadership Authority

The Edo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has welcomed the judgment of the Court of Appeal of Nigeria sitting in Abuja, which affirmed the suspension of the party’s National Secretary, Samuel Anyanwu, and other officials by the National Working Committee.

In a statement issued on Monday in Benin by the party’s Publicity Secretary, Dan Osa-Ogbegie, the state chapter described the ruling as a significant affirmation of party supremacy, institutional discipline, and adherence to the rule of law within the PDP.

Court Ruling Reinforces Authority of PDP Leadership

The Edo PDP said the appellate court’s decision had reaffirmed the authority of the party’s National Working Committee to enforce the provisions of the PDP constitution and take disciplinary action against members who violate the party’s rules.

According to the statement, the ruling sends a strong message that no member—regardless of rank or influence—can act outside the constitutional framework governing the party. The chapter emphasised that internal regulations must remain the foundation for managing disputes and ensuring order within the party structure.

The party further described the verdict as a moral and political victory for loyal members across the country who, it said, had remained committed to protecting the integrity and unity of the PDP amid recent internal disagreements.

Party Alleges Attempts to Destabilise PDP

The Edo PDP alleged that certain individuals had recently attempted to destabilise the party through actions aimed at undermining recognised leadership structures and creating confusion among members.

According to the statement, the court’s ruling has now clarified the authority of the party constitution in regulating the conduct of officials and maintaining discipline within the organisation. The chapter said the decision would help restore confidence among party members and supporters nationwide.

The party congratulated the National Working Committee and loyal members across the country for what it described as resilience in defending the party’s principles. It also urged members to remain united as the party prepares for future political activities and electoral engagements.

Appeal Court Affirms Federal High Court Jurisdiction

Earlier on Monday, the Court of Appeal of Nigeria upheld a judgment by the Federal High Court of Nigeria restraining the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from recognising the outcome of the PDP’s national convention held in Ibadan.

In a unanimous decision delivered by a three-member panel led by Uchechukwu Onyemenam, the court dismissed an appeal filed by a faction of the PDP led by former Minister of Special Duties, Kabiru Turaki.

The appellants had challenged the jurisdiction of the lower court to hear the case, arguing that the dispute was an internal party matter. However, the appellate court rejected the argument and affirmed that the Federal High Court had the authority to hear the suit.

The court held that the appellants could not “repackage a clear violation of the party constitution and that of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as an internal party affair,” thereby reinforcing the earlier judgment