Edo PDP  Faults Chairmen’s Forum, Says Turaki Was Never Expelled

The Edo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has dismissed claims by a group claiming to represent the Forum of 36 States and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) PDP chairmen, insisting that former Minister of Special Duties, Mallam Tanimu Turaki (SAN), was never expelled from the party.

In a statement issued on Monday in Benin City, Edo State, and signed by the state chairman of the party, Dr. Anthony Aziegbemi, the chapter described the group’s allegations as misleading, inaccurate and an attempt to distort the facts surrounding the party’s ongoing internal leadership dispute.

Aziegbemi challenged those alleging that Turaki had been expelled from the PDP to produce the resolution of the appropriate party organ authorising such an action, as well as any court judgment affirming the decision.

According to him, no competent organ of the PDP validly expelled the former minister, stressing that “political propaganda cannot replace documentary evidence.”

The Edo PDP also rejected the authority of Austin Nwachukwu to speak on behalf of the Forum of PDP State Chairmen, maintaining that he remained under suspension for alleged gross misconduct.

The statement recalled that during a press conference held in Abuja on October 14, 2025, the Forum publicly distanced itself from a lawsuit seeking to halt the party’s national convention and announced disciplinary measures against Nwachukwu over his role in instituting the legal action.

It added that Dr. Aziegbemi was unanimously elected chairman of the Forum at the time and that the suspension of Nwachukwu had not been lifted, making his continued claim to represent the forum “misleading” and without legitimacy.

The Edo PDP further accused the group of diverting attention from what it described as the real constitutional issues confronting the party by resorting to personal attacks and inflammatory rhetoric.

It said the central issue before party members was whether the PDP Constitution, internal democracy and the rule of law would continue to guide the affairs of the opposition party.

The chapter also faulted claims that the question of recognition by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had been conclusively resolved.

According to the statement, the issue of the party’s lawful leadership for the purpose of recognition by INEC remains before the Court of Appeal and is therefore sub judice.

It urged party members, the media and the public to disregard attempts to create the impression that the legal dispute had been finally determined, adding that the party remained confident in the judicial process and would abide by the final judgment of the courts.

On the involvement of security agencies, the Edo PDP cautioned against using law enforcement institutions to settle internal political disagreements, saying security agencies should remain neutral and concentrate on maintaining law and order.

The chapter equally criticised attempts to drag former President Goodluck Jonathan into the dispute, saying the former Nigerian leader had earned national and international respect as a statesman and should not be used to legitimise any faction’s political position.

Edo PDP while reaffirming its commitment to constitutional order, said internal disagreements should be resolved through the party’s constitutional structures and the courts rather than through media campaigns, threats or intimidation.

The party maintained that the PDP belongs to all its members and not to any individual or group, adding that every member has the right to demand strict adherence to the party’s constitution.

It called on members across the country to remain calm, united and focused despite the ongoing disagreements, expressing confidence that the truth and the rule of law would ultimately prevail.