The Forum of State Chairmen of the Peoples Democratic Party, representing the party leadership in 30 states of the federation, has declared total solidarity with the National Chairman and the National Working Committee following a judgment delivered by the Federal High Court sitting in Ibadan.
In a press statement issued on Thursday, the Forum said it had carefully reviewed the court’s decision alongside the official position of the party as stated by the National Chairman, His Excellency, Kabiru Tanimu Turaki, SAN. The Forum reaffirmed its unflinching support for the National Working Committee as constituted at the Ibadan National Convention.
The state chairmen expressed concern over aspects of the judgment, noting that the court declined the relief of mandamus sought by the party but proceeded to grant orders that were neither requested nor argued by the parties before it. According to the Forum, the judgment also conflicts with existing rulings of courts of coordinate jurisdiction on the same subject.
Despite these concerns, the Forum welcomed the prompt response of the party leadership, confirming that the PDP has exercised its constitutional right of appeal and filed motions seeking a stay of execution in line with established legal practice.
The chairmen aligned fully with the position of the National Working Committee that the ruling represents only one stage in an ongoing judicial process, stressing that the substantive issues are already before the Court of Appeal for determination.
For clarity, the Forum stated that the National Working Committee produced by the Ibadan Convention remains the lawful and operational leadership of the party, enjoying the confidence and loyalty of PDP structures across the 30 states.
The Forum urged party members and supporters nationwide to remain calm, united, and focused, assuring them that there is no leadership vacuum within the party and no reason for panic.
Recalling the party’s history, the chairmen said the PDP has overcome difficult moments in the past and emerged stronger, adding that the current situation is simply part of the democratic and judicial process.
The Forum reaffirmed its commitment to the rebirth and rebuilding of the Peoples Democratic Party, pledging continued efforts to strengthen unity, deepen internal democracy, and reposition the PDP as a credible alternative capable of addressing Nigeria’s challenges.
The statement was signed by Hon. Tony Aziegbemi, Chairman of the Forum of PDP State Chairmen and Chairman of the PDP Edo State Chapter, and Chief Edward Masha, Forum Secretary and Chairman of the PDP Kaduna State Chapter, on behalf of the 30 PDP State Chairmen.
