Turaki's PDP group plans to appeal court decision on leadership case

The Kabiru Turaki-led Interim National Working Committee of the Peoples Democratic Party is set to appeal the Federal High Court's ruling in Abuja. The court dismissed a suit that aimed to recognize its leadership.

The faction said it respects the court's decision but believes it contradicts earlier rulings from the appellate and Supreme courts.

In a statement released on Friday by its National Publicity Secretary, Comrade Ini Ememobong, the faction noted that the court accepted the defendants' preliminary objection and said it had no jurisdiction over the case.

"Today, the Federal High Court, Abuja Division, presided over by Justice Salim Olasupo Ibrahim, upheld the Preliminary Objection of the defendants and struck out the case filed by the Board of Trustees and some founding leaders of the Party, seeking, among other reliefs, the recognition of the Kabiru Turaki-led Interim National Working Committee," the statement read.

The statement also mentioned, "The court held that the subject matter of the suit is the leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party and is an internal affair of the party, a matter which the court's jurisdiction has been ousted."

Despite this, the Turaki-led faction plans to challenge the ruling at the Court of Appeal.

"While we respect the judgment of the trial court, we respectfully consider that it is against the extant judgments of the Appeal and apex courts, leaving the plaintiffs with no option but to appeal the judgment and the rulings therein," the statement said.

The faction added, "The plaintiffs have accordingly briefed their lawyers to take immediate steps to appeal the rulings and judgment."

They expressed hope for their appeal, stating they believe their position will ultimately win.

"We are hopeful that as we climb the ladder of the law upwards, the victory of truth over lies, principles over compromise and the survival of true opposition and multi-party democracy will be assured," the statement read.

It concluded, "The politics of power, money and greed may last for a while, but we are certain that though our victory may be postponed, as the struggle continues, we will eventually attain it. Aluta continua, Victoria ascerta!"