Factions of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) are holding off on further action pending the January 23 ruling on the party’s legitimate executive, as the legal battle shifts to the Abuja Division of the Court of Appeal.
During proceedings on Wednesday, counsel to the Kabiru Turaki-led faction, Chief Chris Uche, SAN, informed the court that an appeal had been duly filed and requested a stay of further proceedings until the appeal is determined.
The Turaki-led faction urged the Federal High Court in Abuja to refrain from further involvement in the matter.
Senator Samuel Anyanwu, national secretary of the faction loyal to FCT Minister Nyesom Wike and led by Abdullahi Mohammed, said his group would await the appellate court’s decision before determining its next steps.
“Please let us wait on what the Court of Appeal will say on the motion over the crisis. After the January 23 date, I will speak on the next line of action,” Anyanwu stated.
Similarly, Sani Umar, former media aide to former Vice President Namadi Sambo and current media aide to the PDP national chairman, said the Turaki-led faction would also await the court’s verdict, expressing confidence in a favourable outcome.
The ongoing legal dispute has created uncertainty for party members and prospective candidates ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has not recognised the Turaki-led faction due to conflicting court orders.
Both factions currently operate from separate offices in Abuja: the Turaki-led faction in Area 10, Garki, and the Wike-loyal faction in Wuye.
Meanwhile, the original national office at Michael Okpara Street in Wuse remains locked by the Nigeria Police Force.
The leadership crisis has prompted speculation that some members may defect to other parties, including the Accord Party or the African Democratic Congress (ADC), which have already welcomed many ex-PDP figures, including Atiku Abubakar and David Mark. Bolaji Abdullahi, ADC national publicity secretary, said, “We are open to all Nigerians.
”We cannot close our doors to anybody, including those from the PDP.”
With political activities slated to commence by April 2026 and primary elections soon after, the PDP’s factions and its aspirants remain in a state of heightened uncertainty.
