By Luminous Jannamike

ABUJA — The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Interim National Working Committee, under its Chairman, Kabiru Turaki, SAN, has held a closed-door meeting with former President Goodluck Jonathan in Abuja, in what appeared to be the party’s first high-level consultation following the Federal High Court judgment on a suit instituted by the party’s Board of Trustees (BoT).

Although neither the PDP nor the former president disclosed the purpose of the meeting, party sources said the discussions centred on the implications of the court’s decision and what it means for the party as it seeks to resolve its lingering leadership dispute.

Led by Turaki, the delegation visited Jonathan at his residence in the Federal Capital Territory. The party did not disclose the identities of other members of the team, neither did it issue a statement after the meeting.

The consultation came days after the Federal High Court in Abuja struck out a suit filed by the PDP Board of Trustees seeking an order directing the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to recognise the Kabiru Turaki-led interim National Working Committee and publish its details on the commission’s records.

The court upheld the preliminary objections raised by INEC and other defendants, holding that the plaintiffs lacked the legal standing to institute the action and that it had no jurisdiction to entertain the suit.

Delivering the judgment, Justice Salim Ibrahim said, “The court does not decide hypothetical or academic questions,” adding that the evidence before it showed INEC had monitored the PDP convention that produced the rival leadership recognised by the electoral umpire.

He further held that the suit sought to reopen issues already settled in previous proceedings before striking it out.

A source familiar with the meeting told Sunday Vanguard, “The discussion was essentially on the implications of the judgment. The delegation briefed the former president on the outcome of the case and sought his views on the way forward for the party.”

The meeting comes at a critical time for the opposition party as it continues efforts to steady its leadership and respond to legal and political developments ahead of future electoral activities.

Stakeholders of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, in Enugu State, on Saturday, reaffirmed their support for the Dr Johnpaul Anih-led State Working Committee, SWC.

They warned individuals allegedly plotting to destabilise the party to desist from such actions.

The resolution was reached during an expanded meeting of the state working committee, party stakeholders, candidates and members, who commended the state executive for its leadership, commitment and efforts at repositioning the NDC in Enugu State.

Speaking with journalists shortly after the meeting, the chairman of the party in Isi-Uzo Local Government Area, Hon. Jonathan Ogbu, said the current state leadership had transformed the fortunes of the party in Enugu.

“This is the only leadership of the party that emerged through a valid congress monitored by INEC, and any attempt by Enugu politicians spending dollars in Abuja to destabilise the party will be firmly resisted.

“Without the current leadership, nobody would be hearing about the NDC in Enugu State today. 

“The Dr. Johnpaul Anih-led executive has given the party life and made it attractive through its programmes and grassroots mobilisation,” he said.

Corroborating his position, the Igboeze North Local Government Chairman of the party, Hon Kingsley Ape and his Aninri counterpart, Hon. Stephen Ajah, stated that the achievements of the present leadership had positioned the party to participate effectively in the forthcoming local government elections.

According to them, without the Anih-led executive, the NDC would not have been on the ballot for the forthcoming local government chairmanship and councillorship elections in Enugu State.

The party leaders declared that they remained firmly behind Anih and his executive, insisting that the State Working Committee enjoys the overwhelming confidence and support of the party’s grassroots structure across the 17 local government areas of the state.

They further warned that any attempt to tamper with the existing leadership could trigger a mass exodus of members from the party in Enugu State.

The stakeholders also cautioned individuals allegedly fomenting crisis within the party, urging them to steer clear of activities capable of undermining the unity, stability and progress of the NDC.

According to them, any attempt to create parallel party structures or sow discord among members would be firmly resisted in the interest of preserving the party’s cohesion ahead of future political engagements.

The members equally expressed concern over what they described as the actions of the party’s national leadership, alleging that recent developments could further deepen internal disagreements if not handled with fairness and respect for due process.

They urged the national leadership to refrain from actions capable of escalating tensions within the party, stressing that internal disputes should be resolved in line with the party’s constitution and democratic principles.

Reaffirming their loyalty to the NDC, the stakeholders called on members across the state to remain united, focused and committed to building a stronger political platform.

They pledged their continued support for the Anih-led State Working Committee and maintained that the Enugu chapter would continue to protect the integrity of the party while working tirelessly to advance its political objectives in the state.

The Allied Peoples Movement, APM, has named Grace Oluwatobi Coker as its deputy governorship candidate for the 2027 Lagos State governorship election.

Coker emerged as the running mate to the party’s governorship candidate, Prince Laja Adeoye, and pledged to work towards providing purposeful leadership if elected.

Reacting to her nomination on Saturday, she described her emergence as a great honour and responsibility, expressing gratitude to God, the party leadership, supporters and Lagos residents for the confidence reposed in her.

She also thanked Adeoye for selecting her as his running mate, describing him as her leader, mentor and principal, while expressing her readiness to work closely with him in pursuit of the party’s vision for Lagos State.

Coker reaffirmed her commitment to supporting the governorship candidate in securing victory for the APM in the 2027 governorship election.

She equally appreciated the leadership of the party at the national, state, local government, ward and polling unit levels, as well as other stakeholders and candidates, for their encouragement and unwavering support.

The deputy governorship candidate also commended members of the party’s campaign team, volunteers and supporters for their dedication, sacrifices and prayers, noting that their contributions would remain vital to the party’s success.

She extended her appreciation to her family, friends and associates for standing by her throughout her political journey.

Coker also thanked the people of Ibeju-Lekki Local Government Area, her home constituency, and residents across Lagos State for their trust and support, assuring them that she would not take their confidence for granted.

Reaffirming her loyalty to the APM, she pledged to work hand in hand with Adeoye, the party leadership and members to deliver victory in the 2027 governorship election.

According to her, the APM is offering Lagosians “a new direction anchored on purposeful leadership, accountability, inclusion and sustainable development.”

She also prayed for divine wisdom and guidance as the party intensifies preparations ahead of the 2027 general elections.