‘We Are Open to All’ — PDP Factions Await Court Ruling as Leaders Eye ADC Accord Party

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Factions of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) are holding off on decisive action until the Court of Appeal delivers its verdict on January 23 regarding the ongoing leadership dispute.

The conflict over control of the main opposition party has now reached the Abuja Division of the Court of Appeal, following appeals filed by the rival camps.

During proceedings on Wednesday, counsel to the Kabiru Turaki-led faction, Chief Chris Uche (SAN), confirmed that the appeal had been properly filed and highlighted a motion requesting that further proceedings be stayed until the appeal is determined.

Following this, the Turaki-led group urged the Federal High Court in Abuja to refrain from further action until the appellate court issues its ruling.

Speaking to ThisDay, Senator Samuel Anyanwu, the factional National Secretary aligned with the Abdullahi Mohammed-led group and Minister of the FCT Nyesom Wike, said his camp would await the January 23 decision before deciding on their next steps.

He stated:
“Please let us wait for the Court of Appeal’s decision on the motion regarding the crisis. After January 23, I will comment on our next line of action. We are aware that elections are approaching, and our supporters need clarity on where to go and what to do.”

Similarly, Sani Umar, former media aide to ex-Vice President Namadi Sambo and current media aide to the PDP national chairman, said the Turaki-led faction would hold off until the appellate court delivers its judgment.

“The Kabiru Tanimu Turaki-led PDP will wait for the Court of Appeal’s decision before deciding on the next steps,” Umar said, expressing confidence that the ruling would favor Turaki’s faction.

With the 2027 general election approaching, many PDP members with political ambitions are increasingly concerned about their future amid the unresolved leadership crisis.

Tensions have intensified following a statement by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), which noted that it has not yet recognized the Turaki-led faction due to conflicting court orders.

Currently, the rival factions operate from separate national offices: the Turaki-led group is based in Area 10, Garki, Abuja, while the Wike-aligned faction operates from Wuye, Abuja. Meanwhile, the Nigeria Police Force continues to seal the party’s official national secretariat on Michael Okpara Street, Wuse, Abuja.

Sources revealed to ThisDay that the leadership uncertainty has prompted some PDP stakeholders to consider defecting to either the Accord Party or the African Democratic Congress (ADC), where several prominent PDP figures, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and ex-Senate President David Mark, have already moved.

With political activities expected to resume by early April 2026, followed by party primaries, pressure continues to mount within the PDP.

Reacting, the National Publicity Secretary of the ADC, Bolaji Abdullahi, reiterated the coalition party’s openness to new members.

“We are open to all Nigerians. We cannot close our doors to anyone, including those from the PDP,” Abdullahi said.

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