March 10, (THEWILL) — The Forum of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) State Chairmen has rallied Party members, calling for reconciliation among stakeholders and urging the Board of Trustees to convene a National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting to address ongoing challenges following the Court of Appeal’s nullification of the Ibadan National Convention held on November 15–16, 2025.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the State Chairmen expressed mixed feelings over the court’s ruling but commended the judiciary for upholding the suspension of three key actors whose actions had destabilized the Party.
They stressed the urgent need for dialogue and collaboration to safeguard the unity and institutional integrity of the PDP.
Jointly signed by Tony Aziegbemi, Chairman, Forum of State Chairmen and Edo State PDP; and Sir Edward Percy Masha, Forum Secretary and Kaduna State PDP Chairman, the Forum specifically called on the BoT to utilize alternate provisions in the Party Constitution to convene the NEC and provide direction on resolving current issues, even as legal processes continue.
The State Chairmen also praised the progress of the ongoing electronic membership registration exercise and urged Local Government Area and Ward leaders to intensify mobilization to ensure wider participation across the federation.
All PDP members were encouraged to remain steadfast in efforts to rebuild the Party, with the Forum emphasizing that unity and collective commitment are central to restoring the PDP’s strength and relevance.
The State Chairmen reaffirmed their dedication to the Party’s unity, stability, and progress, calling on all leaders and members to collaborate in the overall interest of the PDP and Nigeria.
“Long live the Peoples Democratic Party! Long live the Federal Republic of Nigeria!” the statement read.
Meanwhile, the PDP BoT Chairman Adolphus Wabara, Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, and other senior party leaders on Tuesday met in Abuja, where they described the Court of Appeal judgment on the party’s disputed national convention as an opportunity to initiate reforms and reposition the opposition party.
The emergency meeting held the Abuja lodge of Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, attracted several prominent figures included former Minister of Special Duties, Tanimu Turaki; former Acting National Chairman of the PDP, Umar Damagum; former Deputy National Chairman of the party, Bode George; former Minister of Information, Jerry Gana; and former Governor of Niger State, Babangida Aliyu, among other key stakeholders.
In his opening remarks, Wabara said the Court of Appeal judgment provides the PDP with an opportunity to reflect on its internal processes and strengthen its structures in line with the provisions of the law and the party’s constitution.
According to him, the ruling offers the party a chance to address existing challenges and undertake necessary reforms aimed at repositioning it for greater unity, stability, and effectiveness ahead of future political contests.
The Court of Appeal in Abuja had on Monday affirmed the judgment of a Federal High Court which restrained the PDP from conducting the national convention held on November 15 and 16, 2025, in Ibadan, Oyo State.
Delivering the lead judgment, Justice Uchechukwu Onyemenam, who presided over the three-member panel of the appellate court, dismissed the appeal filed by the PDP challenging the jurisdiction of the Federal High Court in Abuja to entertain the suit.
The appellate court held that the PDP failed to comply with relevant constitutional and statutory provisions governing the conduct of its national convention.
According to the court, the party did not serve a valid notice of the convention on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as required by law.
The court also ruled that the party failed to conduct congresses in more than 14 states of the federation before holding the convention, as stipulated by electoral guidelines.
Justice Onyemenam further held that the issues raised in the suit could not be treated as mere internal party affairs, stressing that strict compliance with the 1999 Constitution, the Electoral Act 2022, and party guidelines is essential for the sustenance of democratic governance.
“Non-compliance with the 1999 Constitution, Electoral Act 2022, and party constitution and guidelines are at the heart of democratic governance, and compliance must be strictly enforced in the interest of democracy,” the court held.
The appellate court consequently upheld the earlier order of the Federal High Court restraining the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from recognising the outcome of the disputed convention.
