Following the recent Appeal Court Judgment which invalidated the National Convention of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) held in Ibadan, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has appealed to leaders and stakeholders of the party to reconcile and halt legal battles.
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan representing Kogi Central expressed fears that prolonged legal battles within the PDP could affect the aspirations of many loyal members contesting elections under the platform.
In a statement on Tuesday, the lawmaker urged party members to see the judgement as an opportunity to restore unity, strengthen internal democracy, and reposition the PDP as a formidable platform ahead of the 2027 general elections.
“The Court of Appeal has spoken, and as a democratic party that believes in the rule of law, we must now shift our focus from litigation to reconciliation and rebuilding. The strength of our party lies in unity, collective purpose, and our shared commitment to providing Nigerians with credible leadership.
“Our members across the grassroots — those aspiring to serve in State Houses of Assembly, the House of Representatives, Senate, Governorship positions, and even the Presidency — must not become casualties of prolonged disagreements among leaders. Their aspirations and the future of our party must remain paramount.
“At moments like this, leadership demands that we rise above personal interests and focus on the greater good of our party and our nation. The PDP has a long and proud history in Nigeria’s democratic journey, and it is our responsibility to preserve and strengthen it for the generations ahead,” she added.
Senator Akpoti Uduaghan also urged party stakeholders to work towards an inclusive and credible national convention that would comply fully with the guidelines of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
“This is the time to come together, engage constructively, and organize a national convention that reflects the unity, inclusiveness, and democratic values of our party. Nigerians are watching, and we must show that the PDP remains ready and capable of leading the nation forward,” she said.
She concluded by reaffirming her commitment to the unity, growth, and success of the PDP and encouraged party members nationwide to remain steadfast and hopeful as the party prepares for the future.
Meanwhile, the Tanimu Turaki-led National Working Committee has said the party will move to the Supreme Court to challenge the Appeal Court judgment over the party leadership.
“The issues at hand are the issues of the interpretation of the law. On the basis of that judgment, the court held that the national legal adviser was suspended and therefore he could not act because acting in that way would mean acting without authorisation.
Reacting, the Nyesom Wike-backed leadership of the PDP said the party’s convention will hold on March 29.
National Publicity Secretary of the Abdulrahman Mohammed-led National Working Committee, Haruna Mohammed, disclosed this during an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today.
According to him, the Tanimu Turaki side of the party is free to approach the Supreme Court if it felt dissatisfied by the Court of Appeal judgment that nullified the November 2025 national convention in Ibadan.
“In compliance with Justice Omotosho’s judgment, we have carried out our ward congresses and local government congresses. We would hold our state congresses on Saturday.
“I can also tell you and members of the party that our national convention is coming up on 29, 30. We are holding our NEC meeting by Wednesday by the grace of God,” Mohammed said.
“They want to go to the Supreme Court, no problem,” he added.
