The Special Panel of the Court of Appeal today delivered judgment in the suit filed by the Chairman and members of the Board of Trustees and some founding members of the Peoples Democratic Party. The appeal CA/ABJ/CV/1221/2026 filed by Senator Adophus Wabara and 7 Ors, against the independent National Electoral Commission and 6ors, sought among other reliefs, an order vacating the judgment of the Federal High Court which refused to direct the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to recognise the Interim National Working Committee led by Kabiru Tanimu Turaki SAN, as constituted by the National Executive Committee meeting convened after the judgment of the Supreme Court.

The Panel was presided by Justice Ugochukwu Anthony Ogakwu JCA, Justice Laja Balogun JCA and Justice Ruquayat Oremei Ayoola JCA(who read the judgment) upheld the judgment of the Federal High Court per Justice Salim and dismissed the Appeal.

While we respect the judgment of the court, we are determined to take our quest for justice anchored on truth to the apex court in the land. It is our belief that no matter how deep the truth is buried, if those seeking it are persistent in digging, it will one day resurface. We have instructed our lawyers to immediately file an appeal before the Supreme Court, in the hope that justice will eventually be done.

The Peoples Democratic Party must as an opposition party, offer alternative to the ruling party, and not become an appendage of it. Democracy survives only when the opposition is strong enough to effectively engage the government.

We urge all or members to remain firm and resolute as we approach the highest court of the land. We trust that there is light at the end of the tunnel and that when this victory is finally won, the pains we are passing through will make a good story for the survival of multiparty democracy and the next generation.

Signed:

Comrade Ini Ememobong, mnipr
National Publicity Secretary
Interim National Working Committee
04112026