*PRESS-STATEMENT-ON-THE-LEGAL-POSITION-OF-THE-PDP-FOLLOWING-THE-SUPREME-COURT-JUDGMENT-OF-APRIL-30,-2026*

*PRESS STATEMENT ON THE LEGAL POSITION OF THE PDP FOLLOWING THE SUPREME COURT JUDGMENT OF APRIL 30, 2026*

Wisdom Tide News | May 2, 2026

The recent judgment of the  has now conclusively settled the long-standing leadership dispute within the  (PDP). By nullifying the Ibadan National Convention and all structures emanating from it, the Court has, in clear and unambiguous terms, rendered illegal and void any leadership or authority derived from that process. The legal implication is straightforward: there is presently no valid National Working Committee (NWC) of the party in existence.

The legal effect of the Supreme Court judgment of April 30, 2026 is clear and decisive: the Court nullified the PDP national convention held in Ibadan in November 2025, on the ground that it was conducted in violation of a subsisting court order. By this decision, every outcome of that convention, including the emergence of the Tanimu Turaki–led National Working Committee (NWC), has no legal validity and cannot stand in the eyes of the law.

Flowing from that, the judgment also reinforced earlier decisions relating to the suspension and expulsion of key party officials such as Samuel Anyanwu, Kamaldeen Ajibade, and Umar Bature. The implication is that individuals affected by those decisions cannot lawfully claim authority within the party structure, further weakening any faction built around them or their influence.

In the same legal chain, any subsequent arrangement or convention—including the March 2026 Abuja convention that produced Abdulrahman Mohammed or any caretaker structure—cannot stand, because they derive their legitimacy from a foundation already declared unlawful by the Supreme Court. In law, once the root is invalid, everything built upon it collapses.

The combined effect of these findings is that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is left without a legally recognized National Working Committee or substantive national leadership. This creates a vacuum within the party’s highest executive organ, as no faction emerging from the disputed processes can claim legitimacy under the judgment.

Consequently, the only organ with residual and stabilizing authority under the PDP Constitution is the Board of Trustees (BoT), which now stands as the interim supervisory body of the party pending the convening of a valid National Executive Committee meeting and the organization of a lawful convention to properly reconstitute the party’s leadership.

Flowing directly from this judgment, any parallel structures, appointments, or claims to leadership—whether arising from subsequent conventions or factional arrangements—have no legal foundation. The Supreme Court did not affirm any faction; rather, it dismantled the basis upon which all contending factions were operating. Consequently, the only stabilizing organ with residual legitimacy at this time is the Board of Trustees (BoT), pending the proper reconstitution of party organs in line with the PDP Constitution and due process.

It is therefore deeply concerning that certain individuals and groups continue to parade themselves as leaders of the party, despite the clarity of the Supreme Court’s decision. Such actions are not only misleading to party members and the general public, but also constitute a direct affront to the rule of law. In legal terms, these individuals are acting without authority, and any decisions or directives issued by them are null, void, and of no effect whatsoever. Continued defiance may expose such actors to internal disciplinary measures and possible legal consequences.

Of particular concern is the ongoing sale and purchase of nomination forms by these unauthorized factions. Let it be clearly stated: any nomination process conducted outside a legally recognized party structure is fundamentally defective. Aspirants who obtain forms or participate in such processes are taking a grave legal risk, as their candidacy may ultimately be declared invalid. No valid political mandate can emerge from an illegitimate process, regardless of the resources committed or political backing involved.

Political influence or alignment with powerful figures, including those within government such as , does not and cannot override the authority of the Supreme Court. The rule of law remains supreme, and no individual or group can legitimize what the Court has already declared unlawful. Any attempt to do so is merely political posturing without legal substance.

At this critical juncture, the future of the PDP depends on discipline, respect for the law, and adherence to constitutional processes. The leaders and stakeholders of the party must urgently come together under lawful structures to restore order, rebuild credibility, and chart a clear path forward. This includes convening proper organs of the party and organizing a valid convention that reflects both legality and internal democracy.

In conclusion, the message is clear and unavoidable: the era of factional impunity must come to an end. Only actions grounded in legality will stand the test of time. All members, aspirants, and leaders are strongly advised to align themselves with lawful processes and avoid any engagement that may jeopardize their political future. The integrity of the party—and indeed the democratic process—demands nothing less.[Wisdom Tide News]