S’Court Judgment: No Leadership Vacuum, PDP Faction Slams Wabara, Others

In Nigeria's complex political landscape, a faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has forcefully refuted claims of a leadership vacuum, asserting the continued legitimacy of its National Chairman, Abdulrahman Mohammed, and National Secretary, Samuel Anyanwu. This stance comes in the wake of a Supreme Court judgment, which the faction argues has been deliberately misrepresented by opponents.

“

This remains the sole substance of the judgment, contrary to the false narratives being circulated. The judgment did not uphold any suspension or expulsion of any officer of the party.

According to Jungudo Mohammed, the factional National Publicity Secretary, the Supreme Court's ruling on April 30, 2026, specifically invalidated the Ibadan convention and dismissed an appeal filed by a rival National Working Committee. Crucially, he emphasized that the judgment made no mention of the suspension or expulsion of any party official. This clarification directly challenges narratives suggesting that the party's leadership structure has been compromised.

“

The issue of suspension or expulsion was never before the Federal High Court, the Court of Appeal or the Supreme Court. It was neither canvassed nor formed part of the questions for determination at any level of adjudication.

The faction also addressed the role of Adolphus Wabara, the former Senate President, whose tenure as Chairman of the Board of Trustees (BoT) they claim had expired before the current crisis. They dismiss any assertions of the BoT taking over party leadership, stating that the PDP's constitution does not grant such powers to the BoT. This highlights an internal power struggle and differing interpretations of party rules and the impact of judicial decisions.

“

The apex court addressed only the validity of the so-called 15th and 16th Ibadan convention. At no point did it mention the suspension or expulsion of any party officer.

This dispute underscores a recurring theme in Nigerian politics: the manipulation of legal and judicial outcomes to gain political advantage. The faction accuses individuals like Tanimu Turaki (SAN), Wabara, and Ini Ememobong of spreading falsehoods and attempting to destabilize the party. Their statement serves not only to reaffirm their leadership but also to cast doubt on the motives and actions of those challenging them, framing the opposition as desperate and factually inaccurate.

“

The leadership structure of the PDP remains intact, lawful and fully operational under the National Chairman, Abdulrahman Mohammed, and the National Secretary, Samuel Anyanwu. Their positions remain duly recognised.