Turaki’s PDP faction rejects ruling, heads to Appeal Court over leadership suit

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) faction led by Kabiru Turaki has announced its intention to appeal a recent judgment by the Federal High Court in Abuja. The court struck out a suit that sought legal recognition for the Turaki-led Interim National Working Committee.

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Today, the Federal High Court, Abuja Division, presided over by Justice Salim Olasupo Ibrahim, upheld the Preliminary Objection of the defendants and struck out the case filed by the Board of Trustees and some founding leaders of the Party, seeking, among other reliefs, the recognition of the Kabiru Turaki-led Interim National Working Committee.

While respecting the court's decision, the faction stated that the judgment contradicts existing rulings from appellate and Supreme courts. The Federal High Court, presided over by Justice Salim Olasupo Ibrahim, upheld a preliminary objection from the defendants, ruling that the subject matter of the suit, the PDP's leadership, is an internal party affair and thus outside the court's jurisdiction.

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The court held that the subject matter of the suit is the leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party and is an internal affair of the party, a matter which the court’s jurisdiction has been ousted.

Despite this setback, the Turaki-led faction remains determined to pursue the matter. They have instructed their lawyers to initiate the appeal process at the Court of Appeal, expressing confidence that their position will ultimately be vindicated. The faction believes their case aligns with higher court judgments and anticipates a favorable outcome.

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While we respect the judgment of the trial court, we respectfully consider that it is against the extant judgments of the Appeal and apex courts, leaving the plaintiffs with no option but to appeal the judgment and the rulings therein.

In a statement released on Friday, the faction's National Publicity Secretary, Comrade Ini Ememobong, conveyed their optimism. "We are hopeful that as we climb the ladder of the law upwards, the victory of truth over lies, principles over compromise and the survival of true opposition and multi-party democracy will be assured," the statement read. They concluded with the rallying cry, "Aluta continua, Victoria ascerta!" indicating their ongoing struggle for what they perceive as the true opposition and democratic principles within the party.

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We are hopeful that as we climb the ladder of the law upwards, the victory of truth over lies, principles over compromise and the survival of true opposition and multi-party democracy will be assured.