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By Myke Agunwa, Abuja
The faction of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) led by its National Secretary, Sen. Samuel Anyanwu has suspended its planned National Convention scheduled for Ibadan, pending the determination of an appeal it has filed against a recent judgment of the Federal High Court, Abuja.
The Acting National Chairman of the PDP, Abdulrahman Muhammed, who announced the decision at a press conference on Wednesday in Abuja, stated that the move was in strict adherence to the rule of law and the party’s internal democratic processes.
He said the party, under his leadership and that of the National Secretary, had received the Certified True Copy (CTC) of the judgment delivered by Justice Omotosho in Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/2120/2025 and, upon legal advice from the National Legal Adviser, Ajibade A. (SAN), filed an appeal to seek judicial clarification.
“Having filed an appeal and in line with our responsibility to uphold the rule of law, the PDP hereby suspends and cancels the proposed Ibadan National Convention pending the decision of the Court of Appeal. Any continuation with the proposed convention at this time would amount to a violation of the rule of law and shall not be condoned,” Muhammed said.
He explained that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), which was a party to the suit, had been formally notified of the development and advised to suspend all actions relating to the convention.
Muhammed also addressed the conflicting court orders surrounding the convention, clarifying that while an ex parte order was issued by a High Court in Oyo State, it could not override the judgment of the Federal High Court. “We shall continue to act only in accordance with valid judicial authority and the provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” he stressed.
Speaking further, the PDP National Secretary, Sen. Anyanwu, addressed questions about the position of the party’s Board of Trustees (BoT), which earlier in the day had urged that the convention proceed.
“The judgment of the Federal High Court supersedes the ex parte order given by the Oyo State High Court. Both courts are equal in status, but the Federal High Court in Abuja has jurisdiction over federal matters and institutions. Besides, an ex parte order lasts only seven days, and before that was granted, we had already filed an appeal. Once an appeal is filed, all actions are stayed pending its determination.”
When asked about his absence from the BoT meeting, Anyanwu dismissed the gathering as “a meeting of friends and associates” rather than a legitimate BoT session.
“If I was not invited, that meeting cannot be called a BoT meeting. Some of those who attended have not even been confirmed as members. We have invited the authentic BoT to meet soon,” he said.
On efforts to unite the party and reconcile its founding members, the PDP National Secretary said:
“What makes a family is father, mother, and children. If they are founding fathers, we are the founding children, all members of the same PDP family. As the National Secretary and custodian of the secretariat, the certificate of the PDP is with me. No founding father can act without my knowledge or presence. Any such meeting is a nullity.”
Addressing the closure of the party’s national secretariat, Anyanwu explained that it followed a foiled attempt to invade the premises.
“On November 1, I wrote to the IGP and the DSS after receiving intelligence that some people planned to attack the secretariat. When I came to work, hoodlums tried to attack me and our staff under the instructions of the former National Chairman, Illiya Damagum. The police intervened and prevented bloodshed,” he recounted.
He said he ordered staff to stay away until security could be guaranteed, stressing that the decision was taken to protect lives and ensure peace within the party.
Anyanwu, however, reaffirmed his openness to dialogue and reconciliation. “PDP is a law-abiding party that loves peace. The Acting Chairman is reaching out to all leaders, and in the coming days, I will convene a proper BoT meeting for genuine reconciliation,” he said.
Both Muhammed and Anyanwu emphasized that the PDP remains one united and indivisible family, committed to democracy, justice, and credible leadership in Nigeria.
“We are strong, focused, and determined to defend Nigeria’s democracy, peace, and unity,” Muhammed declared.