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APPEAL COURT JUDGEMENT AND THE END OF THE ABDULRAMAN LED PDP NATIONAL WORKING COMMITTEE IN NIGERIA.

BY DENNIS SHIMA JP,
Political Affairs Analyst in Abuja, Nigeria.

Sequel to the end of the Ambassador led PDP National Working Committee on 9th December, 2025, 2/3 majority of PDP NEC approved conduct of PDP National Elective Convention in Ibadan between 15th and 16th November 2025. That convention held but in deviant to subsisting two federal high court judgements in Abuja by Justices Peter Lifu and James Omotosho respectively. Therefore, the Supreme Court of Nigeria analyzed the Appeals emanating from the two federal high court judgements against the aforementioned convention as well as Abuja division of Appeal court judgement on the two federal high court judgement and finally nullified Ibadan convention and also upheld suspension of the founders of Abdulraman led PDP National Working Committee.

Meaning, the Wike backed Abdulraman led PDP and the Turaki led PDP National Working committee elected at Ibadan convention were both nullified by the Supreme Court judgement in April, 2026.

Recall that, after the illfated PDP national Convention in Ibadan, the then Turaki led PDP National Working Committee elected at Ibadan convention approached the federal high court Ibadan seeking for an order of Mandamus which is an order to validate PDP national Convention in Ibadan and the product of the Ibadan convention which national working committee elected at the convention and decisions of the convention. However, the federal high court judgement Ibadan clarified that, there was no need for validation of the convention in Ibadan because it was conducted in disobedience to two federal high court judgement in Abuja hence the order of mandamus sought by the Turaki led PDP national working committee elected at Ibadan convention was not granted.

Unfortunately, Justice Agomoh of the federal high court Ibadan went further to direct INEC to recognize Abdulraman led PDP national caretaker with immediate effect even though the Abdulraman led PDP national caretaker which was founded by legally Suspended officers of PDP didn't pray for such recognition when they joined the federal high court suit Institute by the Turaki led PDP national working committee elected at the Ibadan convention.

Remember that, after convention in Ibadan conducted by Ambassador Damagun led 2/3 PDP NEC, INEC didn't recognize both the PDP national working committee elected at Ibadan convention nor Abdulraman led PDP national caretaker committee founded by suspended officers from the Ambassador Damagun led PDP national working committee. INEC invited both Turaki led PDP national working committee elected at Ibadan convention and Abdulraman led PDP founded by suspended officers from the Ambassador Damagun led PDP national working committee and asked both of them to justify their legitimacy. INEC finally counseled both of them to go home and resolve their Differences and present a single national leadership which INEC will officially deal with on official matters.

Meanwhile, there was a pending case at the federal high court Ibadan Instituted by Turaki led PDP national working committee elected at Ibadan convention. The federal high court Ibadan delivered her judgement wherein Abdulraman led PDP national caretaker committee was recognize by Justice Agomoh even though Abdulraman led PDP national caretaker joined the suit Instituted by Turaki led PDP national working committee elected at Ibadan convention but didn't pray for federal high court order to INEC for recognition.

That's why, Turaki led PDP national working committee elected at Ibadan convention appealed the federal high court Ibadan judgement which ordered INEC to recognize Wike backed Abdulraman led PDP national caretaker committee. And yesterday 3rd June, 2026, the Appeal Court Abuja division delivered judgement on the Appealed filed by Turaki led PDP national working committee elected at Ibadan convention saying that, there was no life in the substantive appeal filed against federal high court Ibadan judgement by Turaki led PDP national working committee elected at Ibadan convention as a result of supreme Court judgment that nullified Ibadan convention and upheld suspension of the founders of Abdulraman led PDP national caretaker committee.

Appeal court Abuja division in its judgement dismissed the substantial appeal filed against federal high court Ibadan judgement and upheld the truth that Federal High court Ibadan judgement erred by ordering the INEC to recognize Wike backed Abdulraman led PDP national caretaker committee because throughout the submissions at the federal high court Ibadan, the Wike backed Abdulraman led PDP national caretaker joined the suit but didn't pray for validation or recognition by the federal high court hence the federal high court ought not to have ordered INEC to do what was not prayed for in court based on the available records in the federal high court Ibadan judgement before the appeal court Abuja.

Based on the Appeal court judgment in Abuja yesterday, both Turaki led PDP national working committee elected at Ibadan convention nullification by supreme Court judgement was upheld and the Order of the Justice Agomoh of the federal high court judgement in Ibadan was accordingly vacated by the Appeal court judgement meaning Abdulraman led PDP national working committee elected at Abuja convention is rendered lifeless without further directive of any court to INEC to recognize Wike backed Abdulraman led PDP national working committee elected at Abuja convention following the supreme Court judgment that upheld suspension of the founders of the Abdulraman led PDP national caretaker committee that organised and conducted Abuja convention which elected Abdulraman led PDP national working committee in March, 2026.

Finally, only life and subsisting PDP national leadership in Nigeria is the PDP INTERIM NATIONAL WORKING COMMITTEE ELECTED AT 103RD PDP 2/3 NEC MEMBERS MEETING HELD AT YARADUA CENTER IN ABUJA ON 4TH MAY, 2026. Because the Abdulraman led PDP national working committee elected at Abuja convention was organized by those who were legally suspended from the Ambassador Damagun led PDP national working committee and they had no legal right to act on behalf of PDP let alone constitute national caretaker committee wherein they allocated to themselves offices of secretary, legal adviser and national organizing secretary and appointed a national vice chairman Abdulraman Mohammed to head their illegal national caretaker committee.

Now that, Appeal court Abuja judgement vacated the federal high court Ibadan judgement order which INEC was obeying by recognition of Abdulraman led PDP national working committee elected at Abuja convention, INEC is duty bound to stop recognition of Abdulraman led PDP national working committee and immediately accept the PDP INTERIM NATIONAL WORKING COMMITTEE elected by 2/3 PDP National Executive Committee NEC members on 4th May, 2026 at Yaradua center in Abuja inline with the Constitutional provision of PDP Constitution as amended 2017.

Congratulations to the 13man Turaki led PDP Interim National Working Committee in Nigeria as well as all 2027 PDP candidates nominated by the PDP Interim National Working committee inline with INEC timetable and guidelines for the conduct of 2027 general election in Nigeria.

PRESS STATEMENT

COURT OF APPEAL JUDGMENT INVALIDATES RECOGNITION GIVEN TO ILLEGAL PDP CARETAKER COMMITTEE

Our lawyers have informed us that earlier today, the Court of Appeal held that there were no longer any live issues in the appeal since the main issue relates to the national convention, which the Supreme Court has nullified.

The court also held, inter alia, that the part of the judgment recognising the Caretaker Committee was not an issue before the court and therefore ought not to have been made in the first place. On this score, the court said that the right decision would have been to order a retrial, but in the circumstance where the main issue has become academic, a retrial will serve no useful purpose.

Furthermore, the Court also affirmed the suspension of A.K. Ajibade (and by extension Sam Anyanwu and co.) and held that he had no power to act on behalf of the Party.

This judgment of the Court of Appeal nullifies the judgment of the Federal High Court, Ibadan. The Independent National Electoral Commission, which used the FHC judgment as its basis for recognising the illegal Caretaker Committee, is expected to immediately derecognise them and now recognise the duly constituted Interim National Working Committee led by Kabiru Tanimu Turaki, SAN.

Signed:

Comrade Ini Ememobong, mnipr
National Publicity Secretary
Interim National Working Committee
Peoples Democratic Party
03062026

Press Release

Pity Fayose, Don’t Get Angry With Him – Makinde Pleads

The Oyo State Governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde, has called on Nigerians to be prayerful for the former Governor of Ekiti State, Ayodele Fayose.

In a statement issued by the Commissioner for Information, Prince Dotun Oyelade, he said Nigerians watched with shock as the former governor disintegrated before the eyes of the world by making a series of false accusations, apparently under certain influences.

Prince Oyelade said Governor Seyi Makinde is too preoccupied with finding a solution to the challenges posed by the kidnappers of children and teachers in the state to engage someone whose lifestyle and comportment have been suspect over a long time.

He added that for a former governor to be so consumed by the politics of vindictiveness, vileness, deceit, and hate that he would further endanger the lives of those in captivity and distract security agents from handling this delicate job smacks of one who has lost his mind.
The Commissioner recalled that Fayose’s comrade-in-arms, Nyesom Wike, promised in November last year that he would “put fire in Oyo State,” and now the threat appears to be manifesting poorly.

The Commissioner also recalled that in April this year former Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele Fayose, shamelessly alleged that Governor Seyi Makinde was plotting to remove the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja.

The Commissioner therefore contended that these false allegations and many others are sufficient to confirm their motive.

He noted that even President Bola Tinubu has publicly commended Governor Makinde twice since the kidnapping took place on Friday 15th of May.

The Commissioner urged the people of Oyo State and Nigerians at large to remain hopeful, noting that Governor Makinde has been working day and night to secure the release of the abducted children and teachers.

E-Signed:
Prince Dotun Oyelade
Hon. Commissioner for Information,
Oyo State.
2nd June, 2026.

IN THE NEWS:

Former SGF, Babachir Lawal, resigned from the ADC following Atiku Abubakar’s emergence as the party’s presidential candidate

The Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals has announced a fresh reduction in the ex-depot prices of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), popularly known as petrol, and Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), commonly referred to as diesel.

According to the statement, the ex-depot price of PMS was reduced to ₦1,250 per litre from ₦1,275 per litre, while the price of AGO was cut to ₦1,700 per litre from ₦1,800 per litre.

BACK-TO-BACK!
PSG HAVE WON THE CHAMPIONS LEAGUE
CONGRATULATIONS 🎉
🇫🇷🏆🏆

EXCERPTS FROM THE SPECIAL NATIONAL CONVENTION OF THE PEOPLES DEMOCRATIC PARTY HELD ON MAY 30, 2026, IN ABUJA

INTRODUCTION
The Peoples Democratic Party, under the leadership of Kabiru Tanimu Turaki, had duly
served the Independent National Electoral Commission with the statutory notices
concerning our activities to select candidates for all offices. Security agencies were also notified. The venue, A Class Event Centre, for the Special National Convention in Abuja was fully paid for, and the owners accepted the payment and granted access for preparatory activities.

Surprisingly, the management of the event centre called to cancel the booking, citing an invitation
and threat from the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, that their certificate
of occupancy would be revoked and their event centre demolished if the PDP event was allowed
to hold there. We reminded them of the subsisting contract with us and insisted that the event must go on as planned. The Federal Capital Territory Administration doubled down by issuing a statement conveying the threats of revocation of the titles of business premises hosting events considered by them as unlawful.

As if that was not enough, by 7 p.m. on Friday, 29th May, more than 20 truckloads of policemen were deployed to block the entire road where the event centre is located, forcing motorists to drive against traffic.

DECISION
Following this situation, the leaders of the party summoned an emergency meeting of all the organs of the party- the Board of Trustees, Members of the Interim National Working Committee, members of the National Executive Committee, State Chairmen, Gubernatorial and National Assembly Candidates of the party, and other critical stakeholders, where the
situation was assessed and it was decided as follows:
1. Considering the very passionate appeal by elder statesmen, the party aborted the earlier plan to resist the security occupation of the event centre and forcefully use the venue for the ceremonies. The elders preferred that we show maturity in the face of provocation and rather defeat our adversaries at the polls instead of engaging in unnecessary physical
struggle. They admonished that when a mad person runs away with your cloth, you do not chase the deranged person naked; otherwise, those who see the chase will simply conclude that two mad people are running.

2. Since the main activity of the day is the affirmation of President Goodluck Jonathan,the stakeholders continued with the plan and President Goodluck Jonathan was unanimously affirmed, after a motion was duly moved and seconded, as the presidential candidate and flag bearer of the Peoples Democratic Party for the 2027 presidential election.Furthermore, the formal presentation and flag-giving ceremonies will be slated subsequently.

3. The party strongly condemned the brazen use of unmitigated power by officials of this administration, especially the Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike, with the obvious support of the President. They opined that if left unchecked, full blown dictatorship will sprout within a democracy, which eventually may lead to the collapse of democracy.

4. This shameful oppression has validated the widely perceived fear of the PDP by the ruling party. Whereas other parties with leadership issues similar to ours have conducted their conventions without threats from the ruling party, the PDP is too feared to be allowed the constitutionally guaranteed right to meet.

5. The party calls on the President, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to rein in his fear of impending loss and take practical steps to deescalate the political tensions which have been an unwarranted addition to the already heightened political temperature in the country.

6. We call on all our party members to remain steadfast and committed to the ideals of our party, conscious that very soon this battle will be over, and we will be more than conquerors.

Conclusion
With the affirmation of our presidential candidate, we are now ready for the 2027 general elections, and we charge the Interim National Working Committee to take necessary steps to ensure the party’s full and effective participation in the next polls. Furthermore, we charge them to adequately sensitize the public (local and international) on the asphyxiation of the opposition and the promotion of a one-party state in Nigeria.

The Special National Convention hereby declares the Peoples Democratic Party united, prepared, and fully mobilized for the task of rescuing Nigeria through democratic means in the 2027 general elections.

Signed:
Comrade Ini Ememobong, mnipr
National Publicity Secretary
Interim National Working Committee
Peoples Democratic Party
30052026

Suspected Serial Killer Akaninyene from Obot Akara Arrested in Creektown Forest Hut

Akaninyene, an indigene of Obot Akara, was arrested yesterday in Creektown following intelligence that linked him to the disappearance and murder of a recent victim. Security operatives, acting on the tip, tracked him to an isolated hut he built inside a forest in Abanyama, Ukim Ita Community, Creektown.

On arrival, men of the Nigerian Army and a tactical special forces squad, led by community youths and elders, attempted to secure the area. Akaninyene noticed the invasion, ran into the hut to retrieve a weapon, but was quickly surrounded. He tried to escape into the forest but was apprehended by the tactical team.

A search of the compound revealed multiple shallow graves. About 8 graves were uncovered, each containing the remains of up to 5 people buried without their heads. Plantain crops had been planted over the graves to conceal them. The discovery suggests the killings may have been ongoing for some time.

During interrogation, Akaninyene allegedly confessed to killing about 30 people in the community who had gone missing without trace. He was forced to lead operatives to the graves, where bodies without heads were exhumed.

He further confessed that the last killing, which triggered his arrest, occurred on Tuesday, 26th May 2026. He claimed he carried it out with the help of a lady who allegedly held the victim’s head. According to him, the lady was used to lure victims to their deaths, and he described the method they used.

The alarm was first raised after community members heard a struggle and cries from the last victim. Hon. Councilor representing Creektown Ward 1, Apostle Hon. Ene Itam, alongside the Ward Chairman, youths, and elders, reported the case of missing persons to the Executive Chairman of Odukpani LGA, Rt. Hon. Elder Chief Ukpong Etim Asido. He immediately alerted security operatives, who responded swiftly.

The discovery shocked the entire community as families realized the perpetrator lived among them. The Leader of the 8th Legislative Assembly in Odukpani LGA, Hon. Effiom Ekene, and Hon. Emmanuel of Adibo Efut Ward also joined efforts to ensure Akaninyene was captured. The Leader of Council commended the Executive Chairman for the quick response of military and police tactical teams, and praised Creektown youths for their vigilance.

Following the arrest, community youths have intensified bush-combing operations to uncover other possible hideouts linked to similar crimes.

Security agencies say Akaninyene’s confessions are expected to help in tracking and arresting others involved in the same criminal network. Residents of Cross River State are urged to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities to authorities immediately.

2027: A'IBOM PDP VOWS TO RECLAIM POWER, HOLDS GOVERNORSHIP, NATIONAL, STATE ASSEMBLY PRIMARIES

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Akwa Ibom State Chapter, under the leadership of the Caretaker Committee Chairman, Barr Igwat-Osagyefo Umoren, has vowed to reclaim power from the All Progressives Congress (APC) as the party, on Thursday, May 28, held her primaries to affirm her consensus candidates for the governorship, senate, house of representatives, and house of assembly elections in 2027.

Declaring the event open, the Caretaker Committee Chairman, Barr Umoren, noted that the event marked a significant step in the party’s democratic journey and collective commitment to strengthening internal democracy, unity, and good governance.

“The primaries are not merely a process of selecting candidates; they are a demonstration of the values we stand for as a party founded on justice, fairness, inclusion, and the will of the people.

“As we gather here today to exercise this sacred responsibility, I urge every delegate, aspirant, and supporter to conduct themselves peacefully, responsibly, and with utmost respect for the rules of the Party. Let us remember that beyond individual ambitions, lies a greater mission which is the progress of our Party and the development of our dear nation,” he said.

​Barr Umoren commended the aspirants for their courage, sacrifice, and dedication to service, assuring that the PDP remains proud of the depth of leadership within the party’s ranks.

“While contests may produce winners and others who may not emerge successful, we must all leave this process stronger, united, and focused on victory ahead.

“I wish to assure everyone that the Party is committed to ensuring a transparent, credible, free, and fair process that reflects the true wishes of our delegates and upholds the integrity of the PDP,” he noted.

He urged the delegates to reject every form of violence, intimidation, divisive rhetoric, and actions capable of undermining the peace and credibility of this exercise, adding that it was necessary to demonstrate to Nigerians that the PDP remains the leading democratic platform built on accountability, discipline, and national interest.

On his part, the PDP National Publicity Secretary, Interim National Working Committee, Comrade Ini Ememobong, commended members of the party for standing firm with PDP despite pressure from the ruling party, adding that the acclaimed ruling party in Akwa Ibom was very scared of the PDP.

“We are waiting for them to come and campaign for the APC they demonized. Let them come and tell us if the country is safer under APC; if life is easier under APC. Let them come and tell us what they have brought to Akwa Ibom from the APC they went to join.”

Comrade Ememobong reaffirmed that Akwa Ibom was still a stronghold of the PDP and was determined to reclaim her mandate in the 2027 elections, urging members not be moved by the noise from the APC which he said, was a strategy to hide their panic mood.

The PDP national officer assured that the party was of the infringements and injustice meted on people across the state by the APC through their choice of candidates, promising that the PDP will maintain her zoning arrangements.

In their separate goodwill messages, the Forum of PDP Chapter Chairmen and Forum of PDP Ward Chairmen, affirmed that the PDP was deeply rooted in the grassroots, assuring that they will continue to work relentlessly to strengthen the party.

Affirming the consensus candidates, the chairman of the electoral committee for Akwa Ibom, Dr. Christopher Udoaka, said the exercise, which was in line with the guidelines of the Independent National Electoral Commissioner (INEC), had met the provisions of the PDP, and congratulated the candidates for their successful emergence.

Responding on behalf the candidates, Engr Emem Coffie, PDP governorship candidate, thanked the party for the confidence in them and assured that they begin to work earnestly to ensure that they give the party resounding victory at the polls.

PHOTO NEWS:

Earlier today, the leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party, led by Kabiru Tanimu Turaki SAN, paid a condolence visit to the Governor of Oyo State, HE Engr. Seyi Makinde, over the recent incidents of insecurity in the state.

Turaki SAN conveyed the condolences of the party’s leadership and members to the government and people of Oyo State. He commended the steps taken so far by the State Government, while urging the Federal Government to urgently review the security architecture at the sub-national level by granting more operational powers to Governors for the protection of lives and property.

In his response, Governor Seyi Makinde appreciated the leadership of the party for “paying this condolence visit to us at this very trying moment. You really know your friends when you are in bad times, and you have proven to be our good friends.”

The Governor further assured the delegation that “we are taking all necessary steps to conclusively address this particular incident and proactively prevent a recurrence.” He added that although the incident had greatly traumatised citizens, the people remained united in the common purpose of ending insecurity in the state.

The delegation comprised HE Sen. Adolphus Wabara, Chairman, Board of Trustees; Dr Daniel Woyengikuro, Deputy National Chairman (South); Richard Ihediwa, Deputy National Secretary; Daniel Obiechina, National Financial Secretary; Hon. Wale Aribisala, National Auditor; Dr Abdu Bulama, former Minister for Science and Technology; Ibrahim Abdullahi Esq., Principal Private Secretary to the Chairman; and Comrade Ini Ememobong, National Publicity Secretary.