Fresh turmoil in PDP as rival factions petition courts for recognition

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has plunged deeper into internal crisis as opposing factions continue to write conflicting letters to the Federal High Court and the FCT High Court, each laying claim to legitimate leadership within the party.

The latest development stems from a letter dated November 26, 2025, addressed to the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Justice John Tsoho, by Senator Samuel Anyanwu, who insists he remains the lawful National Secretary of the PDP.

In the letter, Anyanwu accused former Deputy National Chairman, Taofeek Arapaja, of impersonation and of attempting to influence the judiciary. He dismissed Arapaja’s earlier petition of November 19, which queried the repeated assignment of PDP cases to a few judges, as “malicious, frivolous and mischievous.”

According to Anyanwu, Arapaja lacks the authority to speak for the party since his name does not appear on the list of recognised national officers published by INEC. He urged Justice Tsoho to ignore letters from “false claimants,” warning that such actions undermine the rule of law and internal party democracy.

“The leadership structure of the PDP is clearly defined in its constitution and recognisable on the INEC portal,” he stated, adding that the correspondence served as a formal disclaimer against Arapaja “falsely parading himself as National Secretary.”

Arapaja raises alarm over judge assignments

Arapaja, however, maintains that he acted under the instruction of the national chairman and the newly elected National Working Committee (NWC). In his letter, he expressed concern over the pattern of assigning PDP-related matters in the Abuja Division of the Federal High Court to only three judges,  Justices James Omotosho, Peter Lifu and Abdulmalik, despite the division having twelve judges.

He argued that the trend raises suspicion among party members and the public, and urged that future PDP cases be distributed more broadly to reinforce confidence in judicial fairness.

“Justice must not only be done, but must be seen to be done,” Arapaja said, while acknowledging the integrity of the judiciary and the office of the Chief Judge.

Leadership battle widens

The exchange of letters has further deepened divisions within the party and intensified the battle for control, with multiple suits already filed in courts across the country.