Sani said the PDP had complied with the court’s decision by establishing an interim National Working Committee and notifying INEC within the period prescribed by law. “We abided by that judgment. That’s why we constituted an interim National Working Committee and wrote to INEC. We did it within the window provided by law.” On concerns that the PDP could fail to appear on the ballot ahead of the 2027 general election, Sani insisted there was still hope for the party. “Once the matter is concluded, notwithstanding the outcome, the rebuilding process will begin. Most people do not believe in the current recognised PDP because it is just a contraption. It is not the original PDP and it is not what the founding fathers gave to us.” He expressed confidence that the party would survive the ongoing legal battles. “We believe the PDP will appear on the ballot. There is hope because the process has begun. If the courts interpret the judgments in favour of the Board of Trustees, then the party is recovered, and once the party is recovered, the rebuilding process begins.” Sani maintained that the PDP remained Nigeria’s only surviving legacy political party. “It is the only legacy party that is still standing, and we do not believe that the PDP will die. That is why all of us are putting in our best to ensure that the party survives and continues to wax stronger.” Responding to questions about the party’s presidential candidate, Sani dismissed concerns over the absence of a formal acceptance. “Our presidential candidate is there. You have never heard him deny that he is the presidential candidate. You have never heard him say he is not interested.” He argued that the candidate’s silence should not be interpreted as rejection. “If he has not accepted, he has also not rejected. And in law, silence constitutes consent.” On why the Board of Trustees sought a Federal High Court interpretation of the Supreme Court judgment, Sani said the objective was simply to compel INEC to implement what the PDP believed was already decided. “We have written to INEC, asking it to amend its documentation and recognise Turaki. INEC believes the judgment is in its favour, while we believe it is in ours. We are asking the court to interpret the judgment and direct INEC to do the appropriate thing. Simple and short.”
Umar Sani says the PDP will recover from its leadership crisis after ongoing court cases are resolved, expressing confidence the ...
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