Wike Group Again Floors Wabara, Tanimu, Gana, Others As Appeal Court Reaffirms PDP Leadership
The Court of Appeal in Abuja has affirmed the authenticity of the Nyesom Wike-led faction of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), with Alhaji Abdulrahman Mohammed and Senator Samuel Anyanwu as National Chairman and National Secretary, while dismissing the case filed by the opposition group’s factional Board of Trustees led by Adolphus Wabara.
In a unanimous judgement delivered on Wednesday by a three-member panel led by Justice Ugochukwu Anthony Ogakwu, with Justices Laja Balogun and Ruqayat Oremei Ayoola, the court upheld the decision of the Federal High Court and awarded additional costs against the appellants.
Wabara and seven others filed the appeal, marked CA/ABJ/CV/1221/2026, against the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and six others.
The appellants had asked the court to set aside a ruling by Justice Salim of the Federal High Court, which declined to compel INEC to recognise the Interim National Working Committee led by Kabiru Tanimu Turaki.
The interim committee was constituted at a National Executive Committee meeting convened after the Supreme Court’s judgement on the PDP leadership crisis.
Reacting to the ruling in a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Jungudo Haruna Mohammed, the Mohammed-led National Working Committee described the judgement as a victory for the party, the rule of law, and the supremacy of its constitution.
The group urged party members and stakeholders to respect the judgement, close ranks, and focus on rebuilding the party, strengthening internal cohesion, and preparing for future political activities.
Meanwhile, the rival faction led by Turaki has announced plans to challenge the judgement at the Supreme Court.
In a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Ini Ememobong, the faction said it respected the Court of Appeal’s decision but had instructed its lawyers to file an appeal to the apex court immediately.
Ememobong said the group remained committed to seeking justice, adding that the PDP must provide a credible opposition and an alternative to the ruling party.
The full statement by Hon. Jungudo Haruna Mohammed, National Publicity Secretary of the victorious PDP group, on Wednesday November 4, 2026, titled, “COURT OF APPEAL REAFFIRMS PDP LEADERSHIP, UPHOLDS DISMISSAL OF PURPORTED BoT’S SUIT,” said:
“The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) welcomes the unanimous judgement of the Court of Appeal today, affirming the earlier judgement of the Federal High Court, Abuja, which dismissed the suit instituted by the purported Board of Trustees (BoT) led by Senator Adolphus Wabara, alongside Professor Jerry Gana, Babangida Muazu Aliyu, Maryam Inna Ciroma and others Operating under the ILLEGAL Interim National Working Committee headed Kabiru Tanimu Turaki SAN.
“In a clear, unanimous , unambiguous affirmation of the decision of the lower court, the Court of Appeal upheld the dismissal of the Appeal and further awarded additional costs against the appellants.
“This judgement is a major victory for the PDP, the rule of law and the supremacy of the party’s Constitution. It has further strengthened and affirmed the legitimacy and leadership of the National Working Committee of the PDP headed by Alhaji Abdulrahman Mohammed, National Chairman, and Senator Samuel N. Anyanwu, National Secretary, as the authentic leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party.
“The unanimous decision of the Court of Appeal should put to rest any perceived lingering doubts regarding the legitimacy of the party’s recognised leadership and serve as a clear message that the affairs of the PDP must be conducted in accordance with its Constitution, established procedures and the rule of law.
“The party calls on all its members, leaders and stakeholders to respect the judicial pronouncement, close ranks and channel their energies towards rebuilding the party, strengthening internal cohesion and preparing for the political tasks ahead.
“At this critical moment, the PDP must rise above unnecessary distractions, factional interests and divisive tendencies. Our collective responsibility is to protect the party, restore its unity and reposition it as a credible alternative for Nigerians.
“Today’s judgement is not merely a legal victory; it is a victory for constitutional order, legitimate leadership and the unity of our great party.
“The PDP is moving forward, stronger and more united.”
