Fresh tensions have emerged within the Peoples Democratic Party as the leadership recognised by the Independent National Electoral Commission considers taking legal action against the Tanimu Turaki-led faction over the ongoing leadership dispute in the party.
The move follows months of disagreement between rival groups claiming authority over the affairs of the PDP. The crisis deepened after the Supreme Court, in April, nullified the party’s national convention held in Ibadan in November 2025. The convention had produced a leadership structure associated with the Turaki camp and enjoyed the backing of Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde.
Despite the court decision, the faction continued its activities after being reconstituted into an Interim National Working Committee by the Board of Trustees led by Adolphus Wabara. Since then, both camps have operated separately, each claiming legitimacy.
Speaking on the matter, the PDP National Publicity Secretary, Jungudo Mohammed, said the party had already submitted petitions to relevant security agencies and was awaiting further advice from its legal team. According to him, the party has chosen to follow lawful procedures by notifying the authorities rather than taking matters into its own hands.
He explained that the responsibility now lies with the security agencies to examine the petitions and decide on the appropriate action. He noted that the party expects the agencies to act within the law and address the matter as quickly as possible.
Mohammed also disclosed that members of the rival faction had previously been invited by the police over issues connected to the leadership dispute. However, he said the group had continued to present itself as the party’s leadership despite existing court rulings.
He added that while the party remains hopeful that security agencies are handling the matter, the leadership may consider additional legal options if the situation persists. According to him, any future action will depend on recommendations from the party’s legal department.
The Turaki camp, however, dismissed the threat of legal action and maintained that its activities are lawful. The faction argued that the matter is a legal dispute rather than a security issue and should be addressed through the courts.
Its spokesperson, Ini Ememobong, insisted that the group acted in line with court judgments, the PDP constitution and Nigerian laws. He maintained that the faction remains the legitimate leadership of the party and would continue to carry out its responsibilities.
Ememobong also argued that filing petitions does not automatically prove that the complainants are correct. According to him, legal processes can produce outcomes different from what petitioners expect, adding that the dispute should be resolved through the rule of law.
The latest exchange reflects the continuing battle for control of the PDP, with both camps standing firmly behind their positions. As legal and political arguments continue, the party remains divided over who should legitimately direct its affairs ahead of future political activities and elections.