The Mohammed Abdulrahman-led faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has called on Nigerians and party members to support efforts aimed at stabilising the opposition amid ongoing factional disputes.
The Wike-backed camp issued the appeal shortly after the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) announced it would not recognise the outcome of the PDP’s November 15 Ibadan convention.
INEC cited existing court judgments and ongoing litigation as reasons for rejecting the convention, which had produced the National Working Committee (NWC) headed by former Minister of Special Duties, Dr Tanimu Turaki.
Using the occasion of Christmas and New Year greetings to Nigerians, the Abdulrahman camp urged members to reflect on the issues confronting the party and to continue backing the caretaker committee to restore order and credibility. Interim National Publicity Secretary, Mr Junguda Haruna Mohammed, said:
“As Nigerians celebrate, party members are urged to reflect deeply on the issues confronting the PDP with a view to making positive New Year resolutions that will foster unity, stability, and progress.”
“Members are encouraged to continue to support the Hon. Abdulrahman Mohammed-Led Caretaker Committee, which remains steadfast in restoring order, cohesion, and credibility within the party.”
The faction emphasised that the so-called ‘Oyo Carnival Convention’ was rejected by INEC for violating subsisting court judgments. It advised Nigerians and party members to carefully examine the facts rather than fall for propaganda by opposing groups.
The camp reiterated its respect for constitutional provisions, court judgments, and the rule of law, stressing that the way forward is to abide by the law.
Reacting to comments by Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, the faction said some remarks should be “treated with utmost caution,” while reaffirming its commitment to rebuild the PDP along lawful lines. It praised Wike and other leaders for promoting constitutionality within the party.
Meanwhile, the Turaki-led NWC has faulted INEC’s position, insisting that only one PDP exists and that the court judgments cited by the commission are under appeal. National Publicity Secretary Comrade Ini Ememobong described INEC’s actions as biased and stressed that the Ibadan convention was legitimately monitored and agreed upon by party organs.
Ememobong said:
“The leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party reiterates that in law and fact, there is no faction in the Peoples Democratic Party. All the legitimate organs and administrative structures of the party are under the control of Kabiru Tanimu Turaki SAN. INEC must remember that democracy is hinged on majority rule, so the committee of friends of Wike and Anyanwu cannot be validly referred to as a faction of the PDP.”
He urged members and Nigerians to remain calm and continue supporting efforts to reposition the party for electoral success in upcoming elections.
