Factions within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) are holding back on major decisions as they await the January 23 ruling of the Court of Appeal on the party’s protracted leadership crisis. The judgment is expected to shape the next phase of actions by the rival camps struggling for control of Nigeria’s main opposition party.
The legal battle, which has generated deep divisions within the PDP, is now before the Abuja Division of the Court of Appeal. This follows the filing of multiple appeals by parties involved in the dispute, effectively shifting the contest from the Federal High Court to the appellate level.
When the case was mentioned on Wednesday, counsel to the faction led by Kabiru Tanimu Turaki, Chief Chris Uche (SAN), informed the court that the appeal had been properly entered. He also notified the court of a pending motion seeking an order to halt further proceedings at the lower court until the appeal is fully determined. In line with this development, the Turaki-led group formally requested the Federal High Court in Abuja to suspend its involvement in the matter until the Court of Appeal delivers its ruling.
Speaking to ThisDay, Senator Samuel Anyanwu, the factional National Secretary aligned with the Abdullahi Mohammed-led group and loyal to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, said his camp would exercise patience until the appellate court gives its verdict. According to him, the party cannot afford hasty decisions given the political calendar.
“Let us wait for what the Court of Appeal will say on the motion concerning the crisis,” Anyanwu said. “After January 23, I will speak on our next line of action. Elections are fast approaching, and our supporters are eager to know the direction the party will take and how to position themselves.”
A similar position was expressed by Sani Umar, former media aide to ex–Vice President Namadi Sambo and current media aide to the PDP national chairman. Umar stated that the Turaki-led faction would also wait for the outcome of the appeal before deciding its next steps. He added that the group remains optimistic about the court’s decision.
“The Kabiru Tanimu Turaki-led PDP will await the ruling of the Court of Appeal before determining its next line of action,” Umar said, expressing confidence that the judgment would favour his faction.
As preparations gradually build toward the 2027 general elections, the unresolved leadership dispute has heightened anxiety among PDP members, particularly those nursing political ambitions. The situation has been further complicated by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), which has said it is yet to recognise the Turaki-led faction due to conflicting court orders arising from the crisis.
At present, the rival factions operate from different locations in Abuja. The Turaki-led group conducts its activities from an office in Area 10, Garki, while the faction loyal to Wike operates from Wuye. Meanwhile, the party’s official national secretariat on Michael Okpara Street, Wuse, Abuja, remains sealed by the Nigeria Police Force.
Sources within the party told ThisDay that the lingering uncertainty has pushed some PDP stakeholders to consider mass defection to other political platforms, notably the Accord Party and the African Democratic Congress (ADC). This follows recent high-profile exits from the PDP, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and former Senate President David Mark.
With formal political activities expected to commence by early April 2026 and party primaries scheduled shortly after, internal pressure continues to mount on the PDP leadership to resolve the crisis swiftly.
Reacting to the developments, the National Publicity Secretary of the ADC, Bolaji Abdullahi, said the coalition party remains open to new members. “We are open to all Nigerians,” Abdullahi said. “Our doors are not closed to anyone, including those coming from the PDP.”
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