January 31, 2026 l By Dalena Reporters Staff Correspondent
In the wake of a controversial Federal High Court judgment in Ibadan, the Forum of State Chairmen of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has thrown its weight decisively behind the party’s embattled National Chairman, Kabiru Tanimu Turaki (SAN), reaffirming confidence in the leadership produced by the 2025 Ibadan National Convention amid mounting legal challenges.
The supportive stance was articulated in a joint press statement issued on Saturday and signed by Tony Aziegbemi, Chairman of the Forum and PDP Edo State chapter, and Chief Edward Masha, Forum Secretary and Chairman of the Kaduna State chapter, on behalf of chairmen from 30 state chapters.
The Federal High Court sitting in Ibadan recently delivered a judgment that declined to grant the PDP’s requested order of mandamus — a directive compelling recognition of the Turaki-led leadership yet proceeded to issue other reliefs not explicitly sought by any litigant in the case. The ruling has deepened an ongoing leadership conflict within the party and sparked competing interpretations among factions.
In a carefully worded response, the forum declared “total solidarity and unflinching support” for the National Chairman and the entire National Working Committee (NWC), affirming that the convention-elected leadership remains the “lawful, recognised, and operational leadership” of the PDP.
The state chairmen raised concerns that the Ibadan judgment “appeared to be in conflict with existing decisions and orders of courts of coordinate jurisdiction” on related issues. They noted that the party had already exercised its constitutional right of appeal and filed motions to stay execution of the ruling, steps they described as consistent with democratic and legal norms.
“For the avoidance of doubt, the Forum of PDP State Chairmen affirms that the National Working Committee produced by the Ibadan Convention remains the lawful, recognised, and operational leadership of our party,” the statement read, urging members and supporters across Nigeria to remain calm and united in the face of legal uncertainty.
The forum dismissed notions of a leadership vacuum, stressing that “there is absolutely no cause for panic” and highlighting the PDP’s historical resilience through past internal challenges. It reiterated its commitment to strengthening party unity, deepening internal democracy, and positioning the party as “the credible alternative capable of rescuing Nigeria.”
Analysts say the developments illustrate the intensifying legal and political contest for control within the PDP, which has already been exacerbated by conflicting court orders and rival claims to leadership recognition. Separate statements from other party organs — such as the Board of Trustees and rival factions reflect contrasting interpretations of the Ibadan ruling and its implications for party governance.
As the matter proceeds through appellate courts, observers note that both legal maneuvering and internal party dynamics will shape the PDP’s coherence and strategic posture ahead of Nigeria’s coming electoral cycles.