Turaki Denies Recent Court Ruling, Affirms Continuity of Ibadan Convention

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), led by Tanimu Turaki, SAN, has dismissed the recent judgement from the Federal High Court that invalidated the party's National Convention, labeling it as purely an academic exercise.

In a press briefing held in Abuja on Friday, Turaki, the National Chairman of the party, announced their intention to appeal the court's ruling.

He criticized the court for granting reliefs that were not requested by any of the parties involved in the case.

Turaki stated that the PDP approached the court seeking a mandamus order that would compel the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to acknowledge the Ibadan Convention and to facilitate necessary communications between the party and the Commission.

During the proceedings, he revealed that certain former party members who had previously been expelled sought to be included in the case and were permitted by the court to do so.

He mentioned that the court proceeded to grant requests that were neither submitted nor presented by any party in the case.

Furthermore, the National Working Committee (NWC) has lodged a Notice of Appeal and a Motion for Stay of Execution regarding the judgment. "We are determined to diligently pursue this matter to its logical conclusion as per the law," he emphasized.

Turaki pointed out that this ruling is just one of several decisions from the Federal High Court on related matters, noting that the main issues have already been escalated to the Court of Appeal. Thus, he described this judgment as academically focused, pending a definitive ruling from the appellate courts.

He reassured PDP members that, despite the ruling, the National Working Committee emerging from the Ibadan Convention remains legally valid and is committed to the ongoing revitalization of the Peoples Democratic Party.

In closing, he encouraged party members and supporters nationwide to remain composed and steadfast, stating, "There is no reason for alarm. The rebirth movement is steadily progressing."