The Tanimu Turaki-led faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has declared it “immoral and unjust” for the party to endorse President Bola Tinubu for the 2027 general election.
National Publicity Secretary Ini Ememobong made the statement on Friday during an appearance on The Morning Show on Arise Television on Friday .
He stressed that the party’s ongoing reconciliation process should be guided by logic rather than sentiment.
“It is improper, it is immoral, it is unjust, it is unfair for an opposition party of the standing of the Peoples Democratic Party to endorse the presidency or the presidential candidature of President Bola Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress, APC.
“We are hoping that reason will prevail over emotions. Any reconciliation effort must strengthen the party’s role as an opposition, rather than reduce it to a subordinate position, ” he said.
The Turaki faction has summoned a meeting of the National Executive Committee (NEC) for Friday to discuss reconciliation terms with the faction loyal to Minister of the FCT Nyesom Wike.
According to party sources, the NEC will review agreements covering participation in elections at all levels, including gubernatorial, senatorial, and state assembly contests, as well as decisions on office harmonisation within the party.
“The NEC, being the second-highest decision-making body after the national convention, will decide whether the PDP as presently constituted will contest the presidential election,” the notice of the meeting stated.
Meanwhile, Turaki is contesting a bench warrant issued against him by a Federal High Court in Abuja.
The warrant followed his absence during arraignment on a 2022 allegation of giving false information to the police. His lawyers have filed an appeal and requested a stay of execution.
“The High Court of the Federal Capital Territory granted a bench warrant because of his absence in court today.
”His legal team has immediately filed an appeal and application for the stay of execution,” said Turaki’s Principal Private Secretary, Ibrahim Abdulahi.
“While unrelated to the PDP, external political influence cannot be completely ruled out. We urge all party members to remain calm.”
Justice Peter Kekemeke, who issued the warrant, held that Turaki was aware of the court proceedings but failed to attend, making the issuance of a bench warrant appropriate under Section 396(2) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA), 2015.
The judge adjourned the case for Turaki’s arraignment to April 22.
“A motion to quash the charge is not ripe for hearing and can only be considered after the defendant’s plea has been taken,” Justice Kekemeke ruled.
The legal dispute and ongoing reconciliation talks highlight the deep divisions within the PDP as the party navigates internal rivalries and positions ahead of the 2027 elections.
