PDP Should Not Be Distracted Ahead of 2027 Says PDP Chieftain

…As Ewenla dismisses Wike-aligned group’s suit as contradiction and desperation

…Says expelled members lack moral and legal authority to challenge PDP convention

Southwest Ex-Officio of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Amb. Adedipe Dauda Ewenla, has faulted the recent lawsuit filed by a group of expelled members aligned with former Governor Nyesom Wike, describing the move as “political desperation” and a “legal contradiction.”

The suit, which seeks to nullify the PDP’s just-concluded National Convention held in Ibadan, was filed against the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

Ewenla said the legal action amounted to “attempting to rearrange the furniture in a house to which they no longer belong.”

According to him, individuals who have been expelled from a political party cannot seek judicial remedy on behalf of that party, as expulsion strips them of all rights, privileges, and legal standing.

“In law and in logic, expelled members cannot speak for, represent, or challenge decisions validly taken by the PDP,” he said.

Ewenla also described as ironic the fact that the same individuals who previously declared the PDP dead and dismissed the Ibadan Convention as nonexistent are now in court seeking its nullification.

“You cannot nullify what you claim never existed unless you now admit that it does,” he stated, adding that their action “indirectly confirms the validity and significance of the convention.”

The PDP chieftain argued that the lawsuit is less about justice and more about fear of the party’s growing stability ahead of the 2027 general elections.

He accused the expelled members of openly working for the All Progressives Congress (APC) during the 2023 elections and said it would be honourable for them to remain with their chosen political platform.

“No responsible party retains individuals who sabotage its electoral chances and still try to dictate its internal affairs,” Ewenla said.

“The party acted within its constitutional rights by expelling them.”

Ewenla reaffirmed that the Ibadan National Convention remains valid, legal, and binding, noting that it was conducted in full compliance with the PDP Constitution, with participation from accredited delegates across Nigeria.

He added that INEC was properly notified and acknowledged the process in accordance with electoral law.

“No expelled member or outsider can reverse the decision of a properly constituted national convention,” he insisted.

Ewenla urged the expelled members to respect their own political choices and stop attempting to destabilize the PDP.

“Having publicly aligned with APC in 2023, it is hypocritical to now try to unsettle the PDP ahead of 2027,” he said.

He concluded that the party remains focused on rebuilding, strengthening its internal organs, and preparing credible candidates for the next general elections.

“The Ibadan Convention stands as an irreversible testament to the renewed commitment of PDP members nationwide,” he said. “No amount of political theatre will change that.”