- PDP Considers Legal Action Against Turaki Faction Over Leadership Claims
- Party says security agencies have received petitions on dispute.
- Turaki camp insists its leadership remains lawful and valid.
The leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is considering legal action against the faction led by Tanimu Turaki over what it described as the continued parade of individuals as party leaders despite court rulings against them.
The party’s National Publicity Secretary, Jungudo Mohammed, disclosed this in an interview with Saturday PUNCH, stating that petitions had already been submitted to relevant security agencies for intervention.
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EKO HOT BLOG reports that Mohammed explained that the party was awaiting guidance from its legal department on possible next steps while expecting security agencies to act on the petitions.
He said, “For the party, we are only law-abiding men and women, and we cannot do beyond what the security agencies are supposed to do. What we have done is to write a petition and draw the attention of the police and other relevant security agencies. That is all we need to do. It is up to the relevant authorities where such petitions have been submitted to act swiftly and within the confines of the law.
“We cannot compel the security agencies to do what they feel is not the right time to act, or perhaps they are doing what they are doing, only that it has not come to the public. I know that Turaki and Wabara were invited by the police on the same issues. But they have continued to remain determined in misinterpreting and pushing wrong narratives into the media space.
“The reason why this is continuing, I do not know. Perhaps they are following due process within the confines of their rules of engagement to handle this matter. At the appropriate time, we will review the situation and see if there is a need for any legal action, the legal department of the party will advise accordingly. For now, I am optimistic that the security agencies are doing what they need to do, though there is delay in taking action, and I am calling on them to intensify their approach to nipping this in the bud.”
The latest dispute stems from the Supreme Court’s April 30 judgment, delivered in a narrow 3-2 decision, which nullified the PDP national convention held in Ibadan on November 15 and 16. The convention, backed by Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, produced the Turaki-led leadership.
Following the judgment, the Board of Trustees led by Adolphus Wabara reconstituted Turaki and other members into an Interim National Working Committee. The committee has since continued to operate alongside the leadership recognised by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), which is backed by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.
Responding to the PDP leadership’s threat of legal action, the spokesperson for the Turaki-led Interim National Working Committee, Ini Ememobong, dismissed the move, insisting that the matter was a legal issue rather than a security concern.
According to Ememobong, the faction’s actions remain consistent with court judgments, the PDP constitution and the laws of the country.
He said, “Our reaction is simple: it shows the level of ignorance of the law upon which they operate. This issue is not a matter for security; it is a legal matter where the judgment of court is involved, and we acted in accordance with the judgments, PDP Constitution, and Nigerian laws.
“And so, they should also know that it is not always that the petitioner is right, because the petitioner can become the hunted. I can assure them that, except we are not in a country of laws a country that operates under the rule of law that is the only way they can get away with it.
“Our leadership remains genuine, and we shall continue to run the affairs of the PDP.”
