A chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Taraba State governorship aspirant, Chief Kefas Ropshik, has called on party stakeholders to recognise the National Working Committee (NWC) leadership currently acknowledged by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). Ropshik made the appeal while reacting to the Supreme Court judgement on the PDP leadership crisis, which invalidated the Ibadan convention and further shaped the standing of the faction currently reflected in INEC’s official records.
In a split decision delivered on Thursday, three out of five justices of the apex court held that the appeal filed by the Tanimu Turaki-led faction of the PDP lacks merit. As it stands, the INEC website still lists Abdulrahman Mohammed as National Chairman and Samuel Anyanwu as National Secretary, alongside other members of the current NWC, as the recognised leadership of the party pending full legal clarification of the court’s pronouncement.
The INEC-recognised structure is the faction backed by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, who has been a key figure in the recent realignment within the party’s national leadership tussle. According to him, while the Certified True Copy (CTC) of the judgement is yet to be released, party members must resist the temptation to misinterpret the ruling for personal or factional gains.
“The recent judicial pronouncement by the Supreme Court that invalidated the Ibadan convention, thereby recognising the Abdulrahman-led leadership, represents a critical constitutional moment that demands maturity, restraint and institutional discipline from all stakeholders,” Ropshik stated.
Ropshik described the development as a critical constitutional moment for the PDP, cautioning members against actions that could deepen internal divisions. “While the certified text of the judgement is yet to be formally released, wisdom dictates that the leadership presently recognised by the Independent National Electoral Commission be accorded due legitimacy, rather than subjected to premature or self-serving interpretations of the court’s decision,” he added.
Ropshik cautioned against triumphalism or divisive celebrations, stressing that the moment calls for healing and rebuilding within the party. “This, however, is not a moment for triumphalism or factional celebration. It is a moment for reconciliation, unity and collective purpose,” he noted.
The Plateau PDP governorship hopeful expressed optimism about the party’s future, insisting that despite recent challenges, the PDP remains a formidable force in Nigeria’s political landscape. “Amid the uncertainties of recent months, one undeniable truth remains — the Peoples Democratic Party remains firmly on the ballot in this electoral cycle. That reality vindicates the loyalty and steadfastness of party faithful who refused to abandon the party in its most challenging season,” he said.
Ropshik concluded on a hopeful note, urging members to remain steadfast and committed to the party’s ideals. “The darkest days are behind us, and with unity and conviction, the light at the end of the tunnel is now clearly within sight,” he declared.
“The Peoples Democratic Party has, in recent times, endured significant internal turbulence, ideological contestation and factional divisions that have tested the resilience of our great party,” he said. “Wisdom dictates that the leadership presently recognised by the Independent National Electoral Commission and the party’s National Working Committee be accorded due legitimacy, rather than subjected to premature or self-serving interpretations of the court’s decision,” he stated.
Ropshik warned against triumphalism from any faction, stressing that the moment required reconciliation and rebuilding. “This is not a moment for triumphalism or factional celebration. It is a moment for reconciliation, unity and collective purpose,” he said. He expressed optimism that despite recent tensions, the PDP remains a strong political force ahead of future elections. “Amid the uncertainties of recent months, one undeniable truth remains — the PDP remains firmly on the ballot in this electoral cycle,” he added.
The Taraba PDP governorship aspirant concluded by urging members to remain committed to unity within the INEC-recognised structure, saying it remains key to restoring stability in the party.
