Revealed: What Wike Told PDP Allies As Court Suspends Convention Plans

Prominent leaders and concerned stakeholders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), loyal to FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, have welcomed the recent ruling by the Abuja Federal High Court halting the party’s planned national convention in Ibadan, hailing it as a “restoration of order, legality, and confidence” within the opposition party.

The group convened in Abuja on Friday following the verdict delivered by Justice James Omotosho, which restrained the PDP from proceeding with its November convention until all constitutional and procedural requirements are met.

In a communiqué issued after the meeting, the stakeholders affirmed that the judgment upholds the supremacy of the PDP Constitution and reinforces the rule of law in the management of party affairs.

They stated, “We commend and reaffirm our faith in the judiciary. As loyal and committed party leaders, we remain open to reconciliation, inclusion, and collective rebuilding. We call on all genuine members of goodwill across the country to join us in restoring our great party to its founding ideals.”

The PDP elders praised the judiciary for what they described as a courageous decision that promotes fairness, justice, and discipline within the party.

“We, the Eminent Leaders and Concerned Stakeholders of the PDP, met in Abuja to review the landmark judgment delivered today, October 31, 2025, by the Federal High Court, affirming the supremacy of the Party’s Constitution and the rule of law,” the communiqué read.

The group expressed profound appreciation for the judicial intervention, which they said restores order, legality, and confidence in the PDP as a law-abiding institution.

Members were urged to stand firm for “truth, justice, and the rule of law — values that define our party and its promise to Nigerians.”

The communiqué highlighted that the court’s ruling reaffirmed not only the supremacy of the PDP Constitution but also clarified the lawful roles and limitations of key party officers in managing internal affairs.

“The judgment conclusively affirmed that Chief Dan Osi Orbih remains the authentic National Vice Chairman (South-South) of the PDP, while the purported appointment of Chief Emmanuel Ogidi is null and void,” the statement added.

It further noted that the court’s recognition of Orbih restored “integrity and discipline” within the party, while confirming that expelled members, such as Ali Odefa, have “no locus standi to act or litigate on behalf of the party.”

The group also emphasized that the court reaffirmed compliance with the 1999 Constitution (as amended), the Electoral Act, INEC guidelines, and the PDP Constitution as prerequisites for a valid convention.

“The court reaffirmed that all official correspondences to INEC must be jointly signed by the National Chairman and the National Secretary, with the National Secretary serving as the principal signatory for all party communications. No valid national convention can occur until all statutory and constitutional procedures are fully observed,” the communiqué read.

Reiterating their commitment to the party’s founding values of fairness, justice, equity, and inclusivity, the PDP elders called on members to support the rebuilding process anchored in legality and unity.

“We urge all faithful members and leaders to uphold truth, justice, and the rule of law — the very principles that define our great party and its promise to Nigerians,” they concluded.