The Kabiru Turaki-led Interim National Working Committee of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has vowed to challenge the judgment of the Federal High Court in Abuja, which struck out its suit seeking judicial recognition of its leadership.
The faction disclosed on Friday that it had instructed its legal team to immediately file an appeal against the judgment delivered by Justice Salim Olasupo Ibrahim, insisting that the ruling was at variance with established decisions of the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court.
In a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Comrade Ini Ememobong, the faction said the trial court upheld the preliminary objection raised by the defendants and declined jurisdiction over the suit.
According to the statement, the court ruled that the issues bordering on the leadership of the PDP constituted an internal party affair over which it lacked jurisdiction.
While expressing respect for the court’s decision, the faction maintained that it was dissatisfied with the judgment and would seek redress at the Court of Appeal.
“The plaintiffs have accordingly briefed their lawyers to take immediate steps to appeal the rulings and judgment,” the statement said.
The Turaki-led group expressed confidence that the appellate court would uphold what it described as the “truth” and reaffirm the principles of internal democracy and credible opposition politics.
It maintained that despite the setback at the trial court, it remained resolute in pursuing its claims through the judicial process.
“The politics of power, money and greed may last for a while, but we are certain that though our victory may be postponed, as the struggle continues, we will eventually attain it,” the statement added.
