Turaki faction confident of court victory

…Inaugurates Abia PDP Caretaker Committee

By Dennis Agbo & Steve Oko

The faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) led by Kabiru Tanimu Turaki has expressed confidence of emerging victorious in the ongoing legal battle over the party’s leadership following its 2025 national convention in Ibadan, Oyo State.

This comes as the newly sworn-in caretaker committee chairman of the party in Abia State, Ikpegbu Emeka-Yellow, declared that no force can uproot the PDP from the state.

The party is currently embroiled in a leadership crisis, with rival factions vying for control. A faction loyal to Nyesom Wike reportedly took over the party’s national secretariat, while the Turaki-led group insists it remains the legitimate leadership.

A court ruling in January 2026 adjourned the case pending a decision by the Court of Appeal. Meanwhile, the Wike-aligned faction has announced plans to hold a national convention on March 28–29, 2026, to elect new leadership.

Inaugurating the Abia State caretaker committee in Enugu on Tuesday, the party’s National Vice Chairman, Chief Ali Odefa, said the Turaki-led faction remained optimistic about victory in court.

He accused anti-democratic forces within the party of attempting to weaken its structure, alleging that such efforts were aimed at benefiting the ruling federal government.

Odefa disclosed that the Court of Appeal had consolidated nine related cases, hearings had been concluded, and judgment reserved. He expressed confidence in the judiciary, describing it as the hope of the common man.

“Nobody Can Uproot PDP in Abia” — Emeka-Yellow

In his acceptance speech, caretaker committee chairman Ikpegbu Emeka-Yellow pledged to rebuild and reposition the PDP as a dominant political force in Abia State ahead of the 2027 general elections.

He acknowledged the leadership challenges that have weakened party structures and dampened members’ morale in recent years, stressing that reconciliation and unity would be central to the committee’s mandate.

“This is not merely an appointment; it is a call to service, sacrifice, and selfless leadership,” he said.
“This is a time for reconciliation, not recrimination; a time for forgiveness, not finger-pointing; and a time to rebuild, not to dwell on the past.”

He urged aggrieved members to return and work collectively to reposition the party, warning against internal sabotage and personal interests that undermine party unity.

“The PDP is a home for loyal and committed democrats. There is no longer room for moles, impostors, or double agents who pretend to belong while working against the interest of the party,” he declared.

Emeka-Yellow described the Ibadan National Convention as a turning point in resolving the party’s leadership disputes, saying the emergence of the Turaki-led National Working Committee restored order and discipline.

He pledged loyalty to the party’s national leadership and commended the Board of Trustees led by Adolphus Wabara, as well as the PDP Governors’ Forum under the chairmanship of Bala Mohammed, for their roles in stabilising the party.

He also acknowledged the support of Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde and other PDP governors.

Other members of the Abia caretaker committee include Chief Ochiobi Fidel Chukwuemeka, Engr. Gladys Okoro, Chidindu Kalu, Samuel Chukwudi, Kelvin Sampson, Lady Ugo Kalu, Obinna Nwaogwugwu, with Felix Nwagbara serving as Secretary.

The chairman appealed for cooperation and prayers from party faithful and stakeholders, stressing that only collective effort would guarantee the PDP’s resurgence in Abia State and beyond.

The post Turaki faction confident of court victory appeared first on Vanguard News.