The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Edo State has welcomed the recent judgment of the Court of Appeal in Abuja which affirmed the suspension of Senator Samuel Anyanwu, Hon. Umar Bature, Kamaldeen Ajibade, SAN, and other party officials by the National Working Committee (NWC).
In a statement issued on Monday by the Edo State PDP Publicity Secretary, Dan Osa-Ogbegie, the party described the ruling as a major victory for internal discipline, institutional authority and adherence to the party’s constitution.
According to the statement, the appellate court’s decision goes beyond merely validating a disciplinary action, noting that it reinforces the supremacy of the PDP constitution and the authority of the party’s leadership structures to enforce its provisions.
The party said the judgment sends a clear signal that no individual, regardless of status or position within the party, can act outside the constitutional framework governing the PDP.
“The judgment is not merely procedural; it is a profound vindication of party supremacy, institutional discipline and the rule of law within the PDP,” the statement said.
‘Victory for Loyal Party Members’
The Edo chapter of the party said the ruling represents a political and moral victory for millions of PDP members nationwide who have remained committed to preserving the party’s integrity.
The statement accused some individuals of attempting to undermine the party’s leadership in recent months through actions it described as opportunistic and aimed at destabilising the PDP from within.
According to the party, those involved allegedly sought to frustrate legitimate party structures while relying on legal processes to prolong internal disputes.
“Certain individuals attempted to weaken the party internally while hiding behind judicial processes. Their strategy was to create confusion and destabilise the party in ways that could ultimately benefit external political interests,” the statement said.
It added that the Court of Appeal’s decision had effectively collapsed those efforts.
Court Upholds Party Constitution
The PDP said the ruling affirmed a principle long upheld by loyal members of the party—that the PDP constitution remains the supreme authority guiding the conduct of its officers and members.
It commended the National Working Committee, the party’s national leadership and state chairmen across the country for maintaining discipline and patience throughout the legal process.
“This ruling makes it clear that disciplinary processes conducted in line with the PDP constitution must be respected,” the party stated.
Warning Against Internal Sabotage
The Edo PDP also said the judgment should serve as a warning to individuals it described as “political opportunists and disguised saboteurs” who attempt to undermine the party while claiming to act in its interest.
According to the statement, the era of impunity within the PDP must give way to discipline, constitutional order and collective responsibility.
“The future of the party must be guided by respect for institutions rather than personal ambition,” the statement added.
Strengthening Opposition Role
The party further said the ruling comes at a critical moment in Nigeria’s political history when, in its view, the country requires a strong and organised opposition.
The PDP accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of presiding over worsening economic conditions, rising inflation and growing insecurity across the country.
It said the PDP was focused on strengthening its internal structures and rebuilding public confidence in preparation to offer Nigerians what it described as a credible political alternative.
“The message from the Court of Appeal is clear: institutions matter, constitutions matter and discipline matters,” the statement said.
Call for Unity
The Edo chapter of the PDP urged party members across the country to remain united and committed to rebuilding the party as a viable platform for democratic governance.
It maintained that the PDP would continue to defend its constitutional processes and strengthen its structures ahead of future political contests.
“The PDP will endure. The PDP will rebuild. And ultimately, the PDP will lead Nigeria again,” the statement concluded.
