The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its eminent leaders have reacted to the October 31, 2025, judgment of the Federal High Court, Abuja, which affirmed the supremacy of the party’s constitution and clarified key leadership positions within the opposition party.
While the party leadership described the judgment delivered by Hon. Justice Kolawole Omotosho as an “assault on Nigeria’s democratic process,” eminent leaders and concerned stakeholders of the PDP lauded the ruling as a “landmark decision that restores legality, order, and confidence in the party’s internal administration.”
In a communiqué issued after their meeting in Abuja, the Eminent Leaders and Concerned Stakeholders commended the Judiciary for its courage and reaffirmed their faith in the courts, noting that the judgment “reestablishes the supremacy of the PDP Constitution, the 1999 Constitution (as amended), the Electoral Act, and INEC guidelines.”
The stakeholders’ communiqué further stated that the court conclusively affirmed Chief Dan Osi Orbih as the authentic National Vice Chairman (South-South), while declaring the purported appointment of Chief Emmanuel Ogidi null and void. It also upheld the expulsion of Ali Odefa, stressing that expelled members have no legal standing to act or litigate on behalf of the party.
The group praised the ruling for restoring “discipline and integrity” within the PDP and for reaffirming that all official correspondences to INEC must be jointly signed by the National Chairman and National Secretary, with the latter as the principal signatory.
However, in a separate statement, PDP National Publicity Secretary, Hon. Debo Ologunagba, said the judgment does not invalidate the party’s plans to hold its forthcoming National Convention to elect new national officers.
According to Ologunagba, “the judgment of the court does not vitiate our ability to proceed with the processes and activities towards the National Convention to elect new National Officers to pilot the affairs of the Party for the next four years.”
He noted that the PDP remains guided by the recent Supreme Court decision affirming the supremacy of political parties in managing their internal affairs.
“The PDP therefore charges its members, chapters, and organs to remain steadfast and focused on preparations towards the National Convention,” the statement read.
The PDP leadership also disclosed that it has directed its legal team to immediately appeal the ruling, emphasizing the party’s unwavering commitment to the rule of law and multi-party democracy.
Meanwhile, the stakeholders’ forum resolved to abide fully by the judgment and opened its doors to reconciliation and collective rebuilding efforts within the party.
“As loyal and committed party leaders, our doors are open to reconciliation, inclusion, and collective rebuilding. We invite all genuine members of goodwill across the country to join hands with us in restoring our great Party to its founding ideals,” the communiqué stated.
Both the PDP leadership and stakeholders reiterated their shared belief in justice, truth, and internal democracy as essential values for rebuilding the party and restoring the confidence of Nigerians ahead of future elections.
