The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Edo State Chapter, has urged party members, candidates and supporters to remain calm, united and law-abiding following a court judgment affecting some of its candidates.

The party called on its members to exercise restraint, avoid inflammatory public statements and refrain from taking unilateral actions pending further directives from its National Executive Committee (NEC).

The Edo State Working Committee (SWC) made the appeal in a statement issued on Wednesday by the State Secretary, Hon. Peter Ajube, acknowledging concerns and reactions generated by the judgment.

The committee cautioned members against actions capable of escalating tensions or deepening divisions within the party, insisting that the existing position of the NDC remained unchanged until the national leadership issues further directives.

“The existing position of the party remains unchanged pending further directives from the National Executive Committee (NEC) of the party in Abuja,” the statement said.

Describing the NDC as a united political family committed to responsible leadership and democratic representation in Edo State, the SWC urged members to demonstrate maturity, discipline, patience and loyalty to the party’s established leadership and decision-making structures.

It advised party faithful against making assumptions, circulating unverified information or taking independent decisions regarding the status of the affected candidates.

According to the committee, the national leadership would communicate appropriate directives through official channels once decisions are reached.

The SWC also appealed to candidates, party leaders, supporters and stakeholders to respect the rule of law, maintain confidence in the party’s leadership and allow relevant organs to address the situation through constitutional and legal channels.

It warned that the court judgment should not be allowed to undermine the unity, progress and collective interests of the NDC in Edo State.

“Rather, this is a time for greater solidarity, mutual understanding and renewed commitment to the ideals and objectives of our great party,” the statement said.

The committee assured members that the matter was receiving the necessary attention and that further information would be communicated as soon as directives were received from the NEC.

It further urged party faithful to continue participating in the party’s activities while maintaining peace and discipline.

Emphasising the importance of unity in overcoming the current challenge, the SWC said the party’s collective strength depended on the commitment of its members to work together.

“Our strength lies in our unity. Let us remain steadfast, respect our leadership and work together for the continued growth and success of the Nigeria Democratic Congress in Edo State,” the statement added.

The statement was signed by Ajube on behalf of the Edo State Chapter of the NDC.