Governors elected on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have urged members and supporters across the country to remain calm and law-abiding ahead of the judgment by the Court of Appeal of Nigeria on the party's protracted leadership dispute. The appellate court is expected to deliver its ruling on Monday, March 9, 2026, on the legal contest surrounding the leadership of Nigeria’s main opposition party.
In a statement issued on Sunday in Abuja by the Director General of the PDP Governors’ Forum, Emmanuel Agbo, the governors appealed to party faithful to exercise restraint before, during and after the verdict.
The forum, chaired by the Governor of Bauchi State, Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed, stressed the need for respect for the rule of law as the party awaits the outcome of the legal process.
According to the governors, the moment represents a critical point for Nigeria’s democracy, noting that the judiciary plays a central role in safeguarding justice and fairness in the country’s political system.
They said: “We stand at a defining moment for our democracy. The judiciary, as the custodian of justice, carries the weight of ensuring fairness, impartiality and the preservation of national stability. Whatever the decision may be, the PDP reaffirms its respect for the judicial process and its commitment to peace.”
The forum noted that the PDP had remained a key pillar in Nigeria’s democratic development, contributing significantly both while in government and in opposition.
The governors urged party members, supporters and Nigerians generally to respond to the court’s decision with maturity and discipline, adding that the party leadership would meet immediately after the judgment to review the ruling and determine the next steps.
They added that democracy thrives on the diversity of opinions, healthy competition of ideas and citizens’ ability to choose among credible political alternatives.
Looking ahead to the 2027 general elections, the governors assured members that the party remained committed to protecting the aspirations of those seeking elective offices and pledged that the PDP would present Nigerians with what it described as a credible and people-oriented alternative for strengthening democratic governance.
