A powerful bloc within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), led by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has hailed a recent Federal High Court judgment as a decisive victory for constitutional order and internal democracy, demanding a full rebuilding of the party in its wake.

The group, comprising prominent governors, senators, and party officials, convened on Friday at Wike’s Life Camp residence in Abuja. In a communique delivered by former Abia State Governor, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu, they endorsed the ruling in its entirety and outlined its profound implications for the party’s future.

The court’s judgment delivered several key pronouncements that the stakeholders celebrated:

• Leadership Affirmed: Chief Dan Orbih was declared the authentic National Vice Chairman (South-South) of the party, nullifying the purported appointment of Chief Emmanuel Ogidi.
• Expulsion Upheld: The expulsion of Ali Odefa was upheld, reinforcing that expelled members have no legal standing to represent or litigate on behalf of the PDP.
• Convention Halted: The court reaffirmed that no national convention can proceed until all processes in the party’s constitution, the Electoral Act, and INEC guidelines are strictly followed.
• Signatory Authority: It was restated that all official communications to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) must be jointly signed by the National Chairman and the National Secretary.

Describing the judgment as a “crucial step towards sanitizing Nigeria’s political system,” the group commended the judiciary for “upholding truth over impunity.”

“This judgement has restored integrity and discipline in the administration of the party,” the communique stated. It emphasized that the legal action was not an interference but a “patriotic effort” to ensure INEC enforces internal democracy within political parties.

The meeting was attended by a significant gathering of party heavyweights, including Wike, Ikpeazu, former Benue State Governor Samuel Ortom, PDP National Secretary Sam Anyanwu, Senator Philip Tanimu Aduda, and the Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, among other Board of Trustees members and federal lawmakers.

Reaffirming their commitment to the party, the stakeholders declared their doors “open to all genuine members” for reconciliation and collective rebuilding.

“We will abide by the judgement in its entirety. We commend and affirm our faith in the judiciary,” they said, urging PDP members nationwide to “stand for truth, justice and the rule of law — the very values that define our great party.”