The Forum of State Chairmen of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has thrown its weight behind the Tanimu Turaki-led National Working Committee (NWC) of the party elected at the National convention in November.

In a statement in Abuja, the Forum drawn from 30 States of the Federation, said despite the judgement of the Federal High Court in Ibadan, the Turaki-led Executive remains the legal leadership of the party, pointing out that the judgement was only one of several distractions the party is facing and will soon overcome.

The statement was signed by the Chairman of Forum of PDP State Chairmen & Chairman, PDP in Edo State, Tony Aziegbemi, and the Secretary of the Forum and Chairman of Kaduna State Chairman, Chief Edward Masha

The statement reads: “The Forum of State Chairmen of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), comprising the Chairmen of the Party in 30 States of the Federation, has carefully reviewed the judgment delivered today by the Federal High Court, Ibadan, as well as the official position of our great Party as articulated by the National Chairman, His Excellency, Kabiru Tanimu Turaki, SAN.

“We wish to unequivocally express our total solidarity and unflinching support for the National Chairman and the entire National Working Committee (NWC) as constituted by the Ibadan National Convention.

“The Forum notes with concern that the judgment in question declined the relief of mandamus sought by the Party, while proceeding to grant reliefs that were neither prayed for nor canvassed by any of the parties before the court.

“We further note that the said judgment stands in material conflict with subsisting judgments and orders of courts of coordinate jurisdiction on the same subject matter.

“It is therefore reassuring that the Party has already exercised its constitutional right of appeal and filed the appropriate motions for stay of execution, in line with established legal principles and democratic norms.

“We align fully with the position of the National Working Committee under the leadership of Kabiru Tanimu Turaki (SAN) that this judgment represents only one step in an ongoing judicial process, especially as the substantive issues are already before the Court of Appeal for determination.

“For the avoidance of doubt, the Forum of PDP State Chairmen affirms that the National Working Committee produced by the Ibadan Convention remains the lawful, recognised, and operational leadership of our Party, and continues to enjoy the confidence and loyalty of PDP structures across the 30 states of the Federation.

“We urge all party members, supporters, and stakeholders nationwide to remain calm, focused, and united. There is no vacuum in the leadership of our Party, and there is absolutely no cause for panic.

“The PDP has weathered difficult moments in the past and has always emerged stronger. This moment is no exception. What we are witnessing is merely one of the judicial turns in our democratic journey — not the destination itself.

“The Forum remains fully committed to the REBIRTH and rebuilding of the Peoples Democratic Party, and we reaffirm our collective resolve to strengthen party unity, deepen internal democracy, and reposition the PDP as the credible alternative capable of rescuing Nigeria.

“As we have always known, facts may be distorted, but truth is constant-and it will surely prevail. We stand firmly with the National Chairman, the National Working Committee, and the millions of Nigerians who continue to believe in the ideals of our great Party”. (The Nation)