The Southeast National Vice Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Barr. Ray Nnaji, has stated that widespread claims of a leadership crisis within the party are driven by misinterpretation of recent court rulings, particularly the Supreme Court judgment on the party's disputed national convention.
Speaking to journalists in Enugu over the weekend, Nnaji maintained that there is no leadership vacuum in the PDP, insisting that the party's structure remains intact and fully operational. He criticized interpretations suggesting that the apex court ruling invalidated the party's leadership, describing such claims as misguided and lacking proper understanding of the legal issues involved.
According to Nnaji, the dispute originated from a legal challenge to the party's planned national convention in Ibadan. Aggrieved members approached the court, arguing that key procedural requirements, including the conduct of state and zonal congresses, had not been fulfilled. Nnaji explained that the court issued conditions that must be met before the convention could hold, but a faction of the party proceeded with the exercise after obtaining an ex-parte order from another court.
He said the action amounted to a violation of a subsisting court order, prompting the Federal High Court to nullify the convention, a decision later upheld by the Court of Appeal. The PDP chieftain noted that the Supreme Court, in a split decision, affirmed the earlier rulings by dismissing the appeal, stressing that disobedience to a valid court order could not be excused.
“From the Federal High Court to the Supreme Court, the position has been consistent. So, there is nothing difficult in interpreting the judgment,” Nnaji said. He insisted that the outcome of the legal process effectively resolved the dispute and affirmed the legitimacy of the current leadership.
“There is no leadership vacuum. Our group is in control of the party secretariat, and we are functioning fully as a party,” he stated. Nnaji further dismissed claims of factional camps within the PDP, noting that the recognized leadership continues to operate from the party’s national headquarters.
On reconciliation, Nnaji expressed willingness to support any move that would strengthen the party, even if it requires personal sacrifice. “If stepping aside will bring peace and help the party grow, I am ready. But nobody will be allowed to destroy the party from outside,” he said.
Addressing concerns that internal disagreements could weaken the PDP’s appeal, particularly in the Southeast, Nnaji said such fears were exaggerated, likening the situation to normal disagreements within a family. He acknowledged that some members had defected but expressed optimism that many would return as political dynamics evolve.
“Our focus is to rebuild and reposition the PDP to be stronger. Our doors remain open to those who wish to come back,” he added. Nnaji also disclosed that the party has continued with its activities, including consultations and preparations for future elections, stressing that Nigerians would ultimately determine the party’s strength at the polls.
