PDP Insists National Convention Will Proceed Despite Court Ruling

A senior member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Dr. Umar Sani, reaffirmed that the party’s national convention will proceed as planned on November 15 and 16, 2023 in Ibadan. This statement follows a recent order from the Federal High Court that temporarily halted the convention. Sani clarified during an interview on ARISE News that the ruling by Justice James Omotosho does not constitute a permanent suspension of the event but rather requires the PDP to meet specific legal obligations prior to its execution.

“The judge did not stop the convention; he indicated it should be paused until we fulfill certain legal requirements,” Sani explained. “If we satisfy those conditions in a timely manner, we can proceed with our convention.” He emphasized that the PDP has multiple avenues to counter the court’s decision, including the potential to file an appeal with an affidavit of urgency to expedite the process. “We are dedicated to complying with all legal requirements or seeking reliefs that will allow us to move forward,” Sani added.

The PDP’s leadership has directed its national and state branches to continue preparations for the upcoming convention. Sani expressed confidence in the party’s resilience, stating, “We are not deterred by the judgment. Our state chapters have been instructed to maintain their preparations. Those who celebrate the court’s ruling should reconsider—by the grace of God, the PDP convention will occur in Ibadan on the scheduled dates.”

Addressing allegations that the court’s decision was influenced by former Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike, Sani indicated that the PDP had anticipated such challenges and was well-prepared to address them. “Wike has attempted to sway the court’s decision, but we were prepared for this scenario. We had already devised contingency plans,” he stated. Sani asserted that the PDP remains a united front, emphasizing that the party transcends individual interests. “The PDP is greater than any one person or group. It is a family, and no one can position themselves as its ruler. The party will advance—whether or not Wike is on board, as he is now affiliated with the APC,” he remarked.

When asked if his comments implied a lack of respect for Justice Omotosho, Sani clarified that his critique was directed at the judgment rather than the judge. “While the ruling was expected, I believe it did not align with justice. I have the right, as a Nigerian, to voice my opinion on a judgment that seems to serve a specific agenda,” he stated.

Sani maintained that the PDP remains steadfast despite ongoing attempts to destabilize it, asserting that it is not on the verge of collapse. “The PDP is still a strong family. Those leaving are primarily individuals in government positions—senators, governors, or House members. The grassroots members, however, are not defecting,” he noted. He vowed that the party would not be discouraged by continual legal obstacles. “For every step we take, the courts seem to be used to thwart us, but we will not tire. Justice exists beyond the courts—there is the justice of posterity and the justice of God,” he declared.

In light of former US President Donald Trump’s recent comments regarding Nigeria, where he described the nation as a “country of concern” over alleged religious persecution, Sani urged caution against framing Nigeria’s security issues in religious terms. “Trump should focus on the sanctity of human life, regardless of religion—be it Muslim, Christian, or otherwise. Many lives have been lost in Nigeria, and the government must prioritize the people’s welfare over political maneuvers,” he said. Sani condemned Trump’s characterization of Nigeria as a “worthless country,” labeling it both derogatory and unpatriotic. “Nigeria belongs to all of us, not just to President Tinubu or the APC government. Denigrating our nation is an affront to all Nigerians,” he concluded.