PDP turmoil stems from misunderstanding of Supreme Court ruling, says Nnaji

Barr. Ray Nnaji, the National Vice Chairman (South East) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has downplayed reports of a leadership crisis within the party, citing a misinterpretation of recent court rulings as the source of the controversy.

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Nnaji emphasized that the PDP's structure remains intact and fully functional, with no leadership vacuum, during a weekend interview with journalists amidst rising internal tensions.

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He stated, "There is no leadership vacuum, we are in charge, we are in possession of our national secretariat, and the party structure is intact," in an effort to reassure the public.

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His comments came in response to remarks made by former Senate President Adolphus Wabara, who suggested that the party's Board of Trustees (BoT) had taken over leadership following a Supreme Court judgment on the disputed Ibadan national convention.

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Wabara argued that the BoT, as the party's second-highest organ, was constitutionally positioned to assume temporary control after the apex court invalidated the rival factions that emerged from the convention.

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However, Nnaji rejected this interpretation, insisting that it does not accurately reflect the judgment's actual position.

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Nnaji accused certain party members of deliberately misrepresenting the ruling to create confusion and deepen internal divisions, which he believes is the root of the dispute.

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The dispute originated from disagreements over the conduct of the Ibadan convention, with aggrieved members challenging the process in court over alleged breaches of procedure and incomplete state congresses, according to Nnaji.

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Nnaji explained that the Federal High Court initially nullified the convention on grounds of disobedience to a subsisting order, a decision that was upheld by the Court of Appeal and later affirmed by the Supreme Court.

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He further alleged that despite a valid court order, another faction proceeded with the convention after obtaining an ex-parte order from a court of coordinate jurisdiction.

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Nnaji stated, "The judgment was based on violation of court orders and due process, not internal party politics," in an effort to clarify the ruling's basis.

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Nnaji warned that disregarding court rulings could attract contempt consequences, stressing that legal compliance remains essential in party affairs.

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He expressed confidence that the PDP would overcome its internal challenges, particularly in the South-East, and called for unity among members, saying "Even in a family, disagreements happen, it does not destroy the home."

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Nnaji emphasized that the party's focus is to rebuild and strengthen, and he urged aggrieved members to embrace reconciliation, adding that he remains open to any arrangement that would strengthen the party's overall interest.