A group of PDP stakeholders under the auspices of the Progressive and Democratic Stakeholders of the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) has warned members, delegates and leaders of the party to stay away from Saturday’s National Convention of the party in Ibadan.
The group, in a communique at the end of their meeting in Abuja, argued that going ahead with the convention would amount to an affront on the rule of law, which they said amounts to lawlessness.
Stakeholders at the meeting were FCT Minister, Nyelsom Wike; factional acting National Chairman, Mohammed Abdulrahman; factional BoT Chairman, Mao Ohuabunnwa; National Secretary Samuel Anyanwu; Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, Kingsley Chinda among others.
The communique read: “The Progressive and Democratic Stakeholders of the Peoples’ Democratic Party reaffirm our unwavering commitment to peace, lawful conduct, and the sanctity of due process. As custodians of the party’s democratic ethos, we shall continue to act strictly within the ambits of the law and consciously distance ourselves from any posture, action, or gathering that bears the character of lawlessness.
“While we acknowledge the constitutional liberty of any group of Nigerians to assemble, we emphasize that such assemblies – when conducted in defiance of subsisting judicial pronouncements – hold no meaning, legitimacy, or binding effect on the PDP family.
“Our party can only stand, succeed, and prosper on the solid foundation of respect for the rule of law, not by indulging or enabling actions that undermine it.
“In this regard, the proposed national convention in Ibadan is not only at variance with the clear judgment of the Federal High Court, but is also against the spirit of the law and the rule of law. We therefore enjoin all respecters of the law—party members, leaders, delegates, and stakeholders—to keep away from any activity, assembly, or process that stands in open contradiction to lawful directives and judicial clarity.
“The PDP cannot, and will not, proceed with any national convention while congresses at the State and local government levels remain unresolved and are still pending before a court of competent jurisdiction. To do otherwise would amount to a direct assault on the rule of law and an invitation to disorder within the party.
“Our commitment is simple and firm: the PDP shall stand, and we shall stand by doing what is right. By upholding the law, honouring the courts, and protecting the integrity of our internal processes, we shall lead the party toward stability, unity, and enduring success.
“We remain confident that by respecting the rule of law, the PDP will not only prevail, but also emerge stronger, more cohesive, and better positioned to fulfil its historic mission in Nigeria’s democracy”.
