The Turaki-led faction of the Peoples Democratic Party has announced plans to appeal a judgment delivered on Friday by the Federal High Court in Ibadan, following the court’s refusal to grant an order of mandamus.

The court held that granting the mandamus would amount to “sitting on appeal” over judgments of courts of coordinate jurisdiction, a decision that the party described as “not unexpected.”

In a statement posted by PDP’s National Publicity Secretary, Ini Ememobong, on X account on Friday, the Turaki-led PDP faction confirmed that it has instructed its legal team to immediately file an appeal and pursue all necessary legal steps to protect its position in the matter.

Despite the setback, the party emphasised that the Kabiru Turaki-led faction, which emerged from the Ibadan Convention, remains legally intact and unshaken.

The party said it is awaiting the final pronouncement of the appellate courts, which it believes will uphold its position.

The statement urged members to remain calm and resolute, insisting there is “absolutely no cause for alarm.” The party also reiterated that the rebirth movement remains firmly on course.

The development comes amid ongoing disputes within the PDP over leadership and recognition of factions, with each side seeking legal validation of its legitimacy.

As the case progresses to the appellate court, party members and supporters will be closely watching for a definitive ruling that could shape the direction of the PDP ahead of upcoming political engagements.

“Notwithstanding this judgment, the Kabiru Turaki–led Peoples Democratic Party, which emerged from the Ibadan Convention, remains legally intact and unshaken, as we await the authoritative pronouncement of the appellate courts.

“We therefore urge our members to remain resolute and committed, as there is absolutely no cause for alarm. The rebirth movement remains firmly on course,” the statement added.

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Former Ekiti State Governor, Dr Kayode Fayemi, has denied reports claiming that he held a closed-door meeting with former Kano State Governor, Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso, at his Abuja residence.

Fayemi, immediate past Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, dismissed the report in a statement issued by the Head of his Media Office, Ahmad Sajoh, on Thursday, describing the claim as false and urging the public to disregard it.

The report, which circulated on X (formerly Twitter) on Wednesday, was shared by several social media handles alongside an old video clip showing Fayemi greeting Kwankwaso at his residence.

According to the statement, the former Ekiti governor had met Kwankwaso only once in the past year and not in any private political setting.

“Dr Fayemi has only met Senator Kwankwaso once in the last year, and that occasion was at the public book launch of former Attorney-General of the Federation, Mohammed Bello Adoke, SAN,” the statement said.

It added that, “At no time has Dr Fayemi held, or is he holding, any closed-door political meeting with Senator Kwankwaso as suggested by the post.”

The former governor acknowledged that he and Kwankwaso have been friends since their time as governors, but stressed that their relationship is personal and non-partisan.

He noted that the friendship is “based on mutual respect and a shared commitment to the progress of Nigeria, rather than on any political alignment.”

Fayemi also cautioned against attempts by political actors to attach partisan interpretations to private relationships, noting that many of his friends and associates are either not involved in partisan politics or belong to different political persuasions.

The statement added that Fayemi’s associates “span the entire spectrum of Nigeria’s political terrain.”

It, therefore, reaffirmed the former governor’s commitment to national unity, principled engagement, and responsible public discourse.

Kebbi’s political map shifted on Tuesday as Alhaji Lawali Dakingari, a prominent PDP chieftain and former governorship aspirant, led a massive wave of defections.

The defection included 2,208 delegates from polling units across Suru Local Government Area from the Peoples Democratic Party to the All Progressives Congress.

The move marks one of the largest single defections in Kebbi in recent months and underscores the increasingly fluid political alliances as parties manoeuvre ahead of future election cycles.

The defectors were received at the government house, Birnin Kebbi, by Governor Nasir Idris, alongside APC leaders and representatives from all 21 local government areas of the state.

Suru LG and the wider Dakingari political structure have traditionally been key assets to both PDP and APC in Kebbi, especially since the era of ex- Governor Sa’idu Dakingari (2007–2015).

PDP once dominated the zone, but its influence has waned following APC’s consolidation of power in the state and internal PDP disputes after the 2023 elections.

Speaking at the event, Lawali Dakingari said the mass switch to the APC was done “in good faith” and without conditions, crediting the leadership style of Governor Idris and the political legacy of former Governor Dakingari.

“We joined the APC because we believe in sincerity, justice and unity,” he said, noting that members of the ADC and long-standing PDP loyalists dating back to 1999 were part of the wave.

He disclosed that more defections are expected in the coming days, including former local government chairmen and other political stakeholders who could not attend due to short notice, signalling continued realignments within Kebbi’s opposition space.

APC State Chairman, Alhaji Abubakar Kana-Zuru, described the development as a “major numerical boost” for the party, urging both new and old members to prioritise party registration and voter mobilisation ahead of future elections.

Governor Idris thanked the defectors, saying the influx reflects shared goals and growing alignment across Suru and beyond.
“Today we are one family. By the grace of Allah, we will continue to work together to deepen peace, strengthen security and deliver more dividends of democracy,” he said.