Eminent leaders and concerned stakeholders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), loyal to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, have welcomed the recent ruling of the Abuja Federal High Court halting the party’s planned national convention in Ibadan, describing it as a “restoration of order, legality, and confidence” in the opposition party.

The group met in Abuja on Friday following the verdict delivered by Justice James Omotosho, which restrained the PDP from holding its November convention pending compliance with constitutional and procedural requirements.

In a communiqué issued after the meeting, the stakeholders said the judgment reaffirmed the supremacy of the PDP Constitution and the rule of law in the management of party affairs.

The communiqué stated, “We commend and affirm our faith in the judiciary. As loyal and committed party leaders, our doors are open to reconciliation, inclusion, and collective rebuilding.

“We invite all genuine members of goodwill across the country to join hands with us in restoring our great Party to its founding ideals.”

The PDP elders lauded the judiciary for what they described as a courageous decision that reinforced fairness, justice, and discipline within the party.

The group said, “We, the Eminent Leaders and Concerned Stakeholders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), met in Abuja to review the landmark judgment delivered today, October 31, 2025, by the Federal High Court, Abuja, affirming the supremacy of the Party’s Constitution and the rule of law.

“We hereby express our profound appreciation for this judicial intervention that restores order, legality, and confidence in the PDP as a law-abiding institution.”

They urged members nationwide to stand firm for “truth, justice, and the rule of law, the very values that define our great Party and its promise to Nigerians.”

According to the communiqué, the judgment by Justice Omotosho reaffirmed not only the supremacy of the PDP Constitution but also clarified the lawful roles and limits of key party officers in managing the party’s internal affairs.

“The judgment conclusively affirmed that Chief Dan Osi Orbih remains the authentic National Vice Chairman (South-South) of the PDP, and the purported appointment of Chief Emmanuel Ogidi is null and void,” the statement read.

It added that the court’s recognition of Orbih restored “integrity and discipline” to the party, while affirming that persons expelled from the PDP, such as Ali Odefa, had “no locus standi to act or litigate on behalf of the party.”

“By affirming the expulsion of Ali Odefa, the Court has restored integrity and discipline in the administration of the Party, while emphasizing that persons expelled from the Party have no locus standi to act or litigate on its behalf.”

The group further highlighted that the court reaffirmed the provisions of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), the Electoral Act, INEC electoral guidelines, and the PDP Constitution, stressing that all must be fully complied with before any valid convention can hold.

They stated, “The court reaffirmed that all external correspondences to INEC must be jointly signed by the National Chairman and the National Secretary, while the National Secretary remains the principal signatory to all official correspondences of the Party.

“The court further emphasized that no valid national convention of the party can hold until all due processes as stipulated by law and the party’s constitution are fully complied with.”

The PDP elders reaffirmed their commitment to the party’s founding principles of fairness, justice, equity, and inclusivity, urging members to support the rebuilding process anchored on legality and unity.

“We call on all faithful members and leaders to stand for truth, justice, and the rule of law — the very values that define our great Party and its promise to Nigerians,” they declared.

Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, on Friday led leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in declaring full support for President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027.

Naija News reports that the event, held in Edo Central, brought together key political figures from across the state, uniting them under a common goal ahead of the next general elections.

The gathering was attended by top members of the party, including Deputy Governor Dennis Idahosa, former Governor Adams Oshiomhole, and the Minister for Regional Development, Abubakar Momoh.

Other notable attendees were Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly Blessing Agbebaku, former Deputy Governor Pius Odubu, Senator Mathew Urhoghide, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, APC State Chairman Emperor Jarret Tenebe, and Retired General Cecil Isegaigbe.

The event also served as a welcoming ceremony for several new members who left the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Labor Party (LP) to join the APC.

Their defection was seen as a boost to the ruling party’s strength ahead of the next election season.

During his address, Governor Okpebholo thanked President Tinubu for the attention given to Edo State, particularly in road construction and infrastructure.

He said that the approval of key road projects such as the Agbor Road showed the President’s commitment to the state.

Okpebholo assured party members that Edo would continue to stand with the President and that his own administration would remain people focused.

Former Governor Oshiomhole praised Tinubu for creating a financial system that supports development across the country.

He also commended Okpebholo’s leadership style, stating that the governor had managed state projects without resorting to borrowing.

Minister Abubakar Momoh described the Tinubu administration as one that has introduced reforms aimed at driving Nigeria’s long-term progress.

According to him, these reforms are setting the foundation for sustainable development across the nation.

During the meeting, Retired General Isegaigbe formally moved the motion for President Tinubu’s adoption as the APC’s choice for the 2027 election.

The motion was supported by Senator Joe Ikpea and endorsed by Oshiomhole and other party leaders.

To aid in upcoming mobilization efforts, four campaign buses were distributed to coordinators from Edo North, Edo Central, and Edo South.

The newly received members, including Emmanuel Okoduwa, Patrick Iluobe, Ehime Edangbe, and Anthony Iselobho, pledged to work hard for Tinubu’s return to office.

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has expressed disappointment over the court ruling, which ordered the suspension of its planned National Convention in Ibadan, Oyo State.

The PDP stated that the ruling by Justice Kolawole Omotosho constitutes an assault on Nigeria’s democratic process.

It added that the court order does not stop the party from continuing the plans and processes towards hosting a successful convention.

Naija News recalls that Justice Omotosho of the Federal High Court sitting in Abuja, stopped the PDP from going ahead with its planned national convention scheduled for November 15-16.

The court ordered the PDP to put its plans for the convention on hold, citing a breach of rules.

Justice Omotosho directed the PDP to go back and put its house in order, and also to send the statutory 21-day notice before proceeding with the proposed convention.

The court order follows a suit initiated by three PDP members, Austin Nwachukwu (Imo PDP chairman), Amah Nnanna (Abia PDP chairman), and Turnah George (South-South PDP Secretary), alleging a breach of the party’s constitution in the convention’s preparation.

However, in a swift reaction through a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, the PDP vowed to appeal the court order.

It added that the ruling contravenes the existing Supreme Court order, which affirms the supremacy of a political party in the management of its internal affairs.

The full PDP statement reads, “The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is appalled by the judgement of the Federal High Court Abuja, presided over by Honorable Justice Kolawole Omotosho today, describing it as an assault on Nigeria’s democratic process.

“However, the PDP states that the judgment of the court does not vitiate its ability to proceed with the processes and activities towards the National Convention to elect new National Officers to pilot the affairs of the Party for the next four years.

“Our Party notes the recent judgement of the Supreme Court which affirms the supremacy of a political party in the management of its internal affairs.

“The PDP therefore charges its members, Chapter and Organs to remain steadfast and focused on preparations towards the holding of the National Convention of our Party.

“Nevertheless, the PDP as the leading opposition Party in Nigeria committed to the Rule of Law has accordingly directed its lawyers to take immediate action to appeal this judgment in our unwavering determination to uphold, defend and promote multi-party democracy in our country.”