The New Peoples Democratic Party (nPDP) chaired by Alhaji Abubakar Kawu Baraje says it has carefully studied Friday’s ruling by the Federal High Court, Abuja, presided over by His Lordship, Justice Elvis Chukwu, which declared the National Working Committee (NWC) headed by Alhaji Bamanga Tukur as the authentic leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
In a statement issued and signed in Abuja by Mr Eze Chukwuemeka Eze on 20th October 2013, the faction said that as a group, it has a lot of respect for the Judiciary, which is why it has accepted the ruling in good faith and wishes to abide by it.
“Even so, we have directed our legal team to appeal the judgement as a matter of urgency, as we remain convinced that we have a good case and are thus determined to ensure that Tukur and his cohorts are not allowed to hold sway as the leaders of our great party.
“Along this line, Alhaji Abubakar Kawu Baraje, who just returned from Holy Pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia, has convened an emergency meeting of the G7, Stakeholders and the National Working Committee (NWC) of the New PDP to exhaustively discuss the new developments and chat the way forward as there is no going back on our just struggle to rescue PDP from the hands of usurpers.
“Apart from deciding on the Federal High Court ruling and the challenges facing us a group the G7/Stakeholders/NWC Meeting slated for this week is expected to deliberate on how the new Five Governors of PDP that have indicated interest to join the Baraje leadership will be received in the fold.”
The faction reiterated that contrary to insinuations in some quarters reflected in a section of the media on division and disunity among its governors and National Assembly members because of its current travails, the fact remains that instead of division, the travails have strengthened the faction more and further shown that it is matter of time before the “undemocratic elements” who have seized the party will be dislodged.
“Meanwhile, we feel nothing but pity for Alhaji Tukur and his NWC, who are already gloating over their ‘victory’ over us and even had the temerity to describe us and our governors as criminals, warning that the heavens would fall if we should meet under any platform!” the statement continued.
“By being so uncouth in addressing governors duly elected by Nigerians, Tukur and his disciples have once more vindicated our struggle to flush out these unholy undemocratic elements from our party. We are confident that this is one mission that we shall successfully accomplish by the grace of God not minding the use of State Security agencies to harass and intimidate our people.
“We once more thank our numerous members and supporters and wish to reassure them that there is no cause for worry. They should remain steadfast and continue in prayer for Almighty God to vindicate us and grant us victory in the end.”
