PDP’s Umar Sani Confident Convention Will Proceed Despite Court Ruling

Dr. Umar Sani, a prominent member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), announced that the party’s national convention will proceed as scheduled on November 15 and 16 in Ibadan. This declaration comes despite a recent order from the Federal High Court, which temporarily halted the convention. Sani emphasized that the ruling from Justice James Omotosho does not amount to a permanent suspension but requires compliance with specific legal protocols before the event can take place.

“The judge did not say the convention has been stopped; he stated that it should be halted until we comply with certain requirements,” Sani explained during an interview on ARISE News. “If we meet those requirements in time, we can continue with our convention.” He affirmed that the PDP is exploring various legal avenues, including the possibility of filing an urgent appeal to expedite the process.

Sani reassured party members that both national and state structures have been instructed to maintain preparations for the upcoming convention. He firmly stated, “We are not disturbed by the judgement. Our state chapters have been directed to continue preparing. Those celebrating that the court has stopped our convention should think again — by the grace of God, the PDP convention will hold in Ibadan on November 15 and 16.”

Response to Allegations and Internal Challenges

Addressing allegations of external influence regarding the court’s decision, particularly from former Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike, Sani articulated that the party had anticipated such challenges. “Wike has done his worst, which is to go to Justice Omotosho’s court to seek that order. We were not surprised,” he remarked. He highlighted that the PDP had prepared for this eventuality, with multiple contingency plans ready to be enacted.

Sani underscored the resilience of the PDP, asserting that the party’s collective strength surpasses the influence of any single individual. “The party is greater than him and greater than any group of individuals. The PDP is a family. Nobody can make himself lord over the party. The party will move on — with or without him — because he is no longer with us; he is with the APC,” he stated, referring to the All Progressives Congress.

In response to inquiries regarding the integrity of Justice Omotosho, Sani clarified that his critique was directed at the ruling itself, not the judge. “Yes, the ruling was expected, but there is nothing contemptuous in what I said. I’m critiquing the judgment, not abusing the judge. As a Nigerian, I have the right to criticize a judgment that is not in consonance with justice.”

Unity Amidst Legal Challenges

Sani reiterated the PDP’s commitment to unity in the face of ongoing legal challenges. He asserted that the party remains a cohesive force, despite defections among some high-profile members. “The PDP is not going to implode. It is still one strong family. Those leaving are mostly people in government positions — senators, governors, or House of Representatives members. The actual grassroots members are not defecting,” he said.

He vowed that the party would not be dissuaded by recurring legal setbacks. “For every move we make, the courts are used to try to scuttle it, but we won’t get tired. Justice is not only domiciled in the courts — there is also the justice of posterity and the justice of God.”

On a broader note, Sani commented on former US President Donald Trump’s recent remarks, which labeled Nigeria a country of concern regarding alleged religious persecution. He urged a more nuanced understanding of Nigeria’s security issues, emphasizing the need to focus on the sanctity of human life rather than religious affiliations. “Too many lives have been lost in Nigeria, and government must stop playing politics with people’s lives,” he cautioned.

Sani also criticized Trump’s characterization of Nigeria as a “worthless country,” describing it as demeaning and unpatriotic. “Nigeria belongs to all of us, not to President Tinubu or the APC government. Anyone who denigrates our country is denigrating all Nigerians,” he concluded.

As the PDP prepares for its convention, the party’s leadership is evidently committed to overcoming legal hurdles and maintaining its foundational unity.