A coalition of governors and key stakeholders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has declared that the party “must not die,” following a Supreme Court judgment that has effectively left the opposition platform without a recognised national leadership.
In a strongly worded joint statement presented after an emergency stakeholders’ meeting, the party leaders acknowledged the ruling delivered by a panel of justices led by Justice Mohammed Garba, which dismissed appeals linked to the party’s disputed leadership structure.
The statement was read by former Niger State Governor, Dr. Mu’azu Babangida Aliyu, Secretary of the PDP Board of Trustees, on behalf of the PDP Governors Forum, BoT members, National Executive Committee, National Caucus, National Assembly caucus, former ministers, state chairmen and other stakeholders present at the emergency meeting.
The judgment, according to the stakeholders, nullified the outcomes of the PDP’s November 2025 elective national convention held in Ibadan and also upheld the suspension of several party figures, including Senator Sam Anyanwu.
“The interpretation of this judgement clearly leaves the party without any recognised leadership, as both groups previously laying claims to the leadership have been divested of all interests by this judgement,” the statement read.
Faced with what they described as a leadership vacuum, the stakeholders stressed the urgency of stabilising the party to prevent it from becoming directionless.
“We cannot therefore in good conscience allow the party to become rudderless and without direction,” they stated.
The group threw its weight behind the Board of Trustees (BoT), led by Senator Adolphus Wabara, acknowledging its interim role in steering the party through the crisis.
“We have noted the take-over of leadership of the party by the authentic Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Sen. Adolphus Wabara — a move we are not opposed to,” the statement added.
The stakeholders called on the BoT to urgently convene a meeting of the National Executive Committee (NEC) to chart a clear path forward, including preparations for candidate selection ahead of the 2027 general elections.
“This body, serving as the conscience of the party must immediately convene a meeting of the National Executive Committee of the party, to take decisions as to the leadership of the party and undertake steps preparatory to activities for candidates’ selection towards 2027 general elections,” they said.
Reaffirming their commitment to the PDP’s survival, the leaders urged party members nationwide to remain loyal and patient as consultations continue.
“We urge all our members to remain steadfast, trusting that we will take decisions in the best interest of the survival of our party, not as addendum of the All Progressives Congress,” the statement read.
The stakeholders also emphasised the importance of a strong opposition in sustaining Nigeria’s democracy.
“Democracy thrives when there is a vibrant and capable opposition, which aligns with the wishes and interest of the people, not with the government,” they noted.
They assured that a comprehensive action plan would soon be unveiled following broader consultations within the party’s structures.
“Soonest, we will, after extensive consultations with the BOT and other critical stakeholders, announce the action plan, for the survival of our party,” the statement said.
Reiterating their resolve, the stakeholders declared: “We can reiterate, that by God’s grace, our party will not die, it will not be handed over to those who want to hold it down for the APC, or those who want to trade and negotiate with it.”
In a symbolic note of resilience, they concluded: “Like the phoenix, we will surely rise again.”