The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP Governors Forum, the umbrella body of governors elected on the platform of the main opposition party in the country, has called on its supporters to remain calm as the Court of Appeal is set to rule on ledarship crisis rocking the party.
There are only two governors elected on the party’s platform, Seyi Makinde of Oyo state, and Bala Mohammed of Bauchi state, who is the Chairman of the Forum, after a flurry of defections of some of its governors to the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC due to the protracted leadership tussle that has lasted for months.
Not a few watching the PDP insist that the Court of Appeal judgment will determine the future of Nigeria’s former ruling party, as serious tension has mounted among members on what will be the direction of the court, which is expected to rule on the leadership problem in few hours.
There’s are two factions in the party laying claim to its leadership, one led by Governor Makinde of Oyo state and FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike.
The Forum said whatever the outcome of the Appellate court judgment on the issue, the party is ready to move forward particularly as it prepares for the 2027 election.
The PDP-GF made this known in a statement signed on Sunday in Abuja, the nation’s capital by Director General of the Forum, Dr Emmanuel Agbo, who said the country is on the threshold of history , urging the justiciary, the custodian of rule of law and justice in the country, to do the right thing by ensuring ‘fairness and impartiality’ in its ruling.
According to the Forum, the party will meet after the judgment to chart the way for the party ahead next years’ election, calling on the members to continue to have faith in the party, saying the PDP will continue to play its role as the voice of Nigerians.
“We stand at a defining moment for our democracy. The judiciary, as the custodian of justice, carries the weight of ensuring fairness, impartiality, and the preservation of national stability,” the Forum said.
“Whatever the decision may be, the PDP reaffirms its respect for the judicial process and its commitment to peace.
“We urge our members, supporters, and indeed all Nigerians to remain calm and disciplined in their reactions to the ruling. Our collective response must reflect maturity and a deep respect for the rule of law.
“We call on all party members and leaders to show maximum restraint, remain calm and be law-abiding before, during and after the judgment as leadership will meet immediately to review the judgment and chart the necessary post-judgment line of action.
The Forum stressed that democracy thrives on diversity of ideas and competition, urging members who are planning to contest under the party’s platform not to lose faith yet.
“Democracy thrives on diversity of voices, competition of ideas, and the ability of citizens to choose from credible alternatives.
“We therefore call on members aspiring to contest the 2027 general elections to have faith in the party’s platform.
“The PDP has always been a cornerstone of Nigeria’s democratic journey. Our party has governed, opposed, and contributed to the strengthening of institutions that protect the rights of citizens.
“Looking ahead to the 2027 general elections, the PDP remains resolute in its mission to provide Nigerians with a strong, credible, and people-centred alternative.
“No ruling can erase the will of Nigerians for a fair and competitive political system. We are prepared to participate fully in the democratic process, ensuring that the voices of the people are heard and respected.”
Meanwhile, close watchers of the party insist that the Court of Appeal ruling on the issue may be challenged at the Supreme Court, the nation’s apex court by opposing side who is not satisfied with today’s outcome.
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