Hopes of an immediate end to the legal tussle that had frustrated political activities in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) dimmed yesterday, as the Ahmed Makarfi-led faction vowed to appeal the judgment of the Court of Appeal, recognising Ali Modu Sheriff as the authentic national chairman at the Supreme Court.

Also, state governors elected on the platform of the party have rejected the decision of the appeal court. Reacting to the ruling yesterday, Chairman of the PDP Governors Forum and Ekiti State governor, Ayo Fayose, described the judgment as “a rape on our democracy” and vowed that the party would appeal the judgment.

Chairman of the party’s Board of Trustees (BoT), Senator Walid Jibrin, said all the organs of the party remain loyal to the Makarfi-led caretaker committee and would support the party decision to appeal the judgment.

Jibrin said members of the party nationwide should remain calm, as the party consults with its various organs.

He said: “Whatever one does in this world, he must fear God. All evil machinations must end. The truth will prevail. Therefore, this judgment is not a threat, but it will bring us together.

“I appeal to all our members to remain calm and not panic or move to any party, as all efforts will be made to ensure that the party remains PDP to the dreams of our founding fathers.”

The Forum of Former PDP Ministers has also rejected the judgment. The Chairman of the forum and a former Minister of Special Duties, Mr Kabiru Turaki, said this on Friday while briefing reporters shortly after the PDP leaders met in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital.

He said the forum has advised the leadership of the PDP to head to the Supreme Court to challenge the judgment.

Turaki, backed by two other former ministers, Mr Femi Fani-Kayode and Professor Abubakar Suleiman, commended the minority judgment of the Appeal Court upholding the leadership of Senator Ahmed Makarfi.

They appealed to members and supporters of the PDP to remain calm, stressing they the former ministers have resolved to ensure that the judgment is challenged at the Supreme Court.

On his part, Deputy President of the Senate, Ike Ekweremadu, enjoined all PDP faithful not to be anxious over the ruling. In his immediate reaction in Abuja yesterday, Ekweremadu said: “There is no cause for alarm. The party leadership will meet as soon as possible to take a decision on the best way forward.

“Those dreaming about the death of the opposition in Nigeria will have to sleep much longer and still wake up to meet us much stronger, because a vibrant opposition is the beauty of democracy.”

Spokesman of the Makarfi faction, Dayo Adeyeye, has announced its intention to appeal against the judgment, which he said would not stand.

The Appeal Court which reinstated the new PDP Chairman had ruled that the caretaker committee was illegal and cannot act on behalf of the party.

The lead judge, Justice Sanga, stated that due process was not followed in the decision by the PDP convention to dissolve the Sheriff faction, hence should be disregarded.

•Based on reports by The Guardian and Channels TV.

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