PRESS STATEMENT

BY THE EDO STATE CHAPTER OF THE PEOPLES DEMOCRATIC PARTY (PDP)

IN RESPONSE TO THE PRESS CONFERENCE BY THE PURPORTED FORUM OF 36 STATES AND FCT PDP CHAIRMEN

BENIN CITY, EDO STATE

AUGUST 3, 2026

The Edo State Chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), under the leadership of Dr. Tony Aziegbemi, has watched with profound disappointment the press conference addressed by individuals claiming to speak on behalf of the Forum of 36 States and FCT PDP Chairmen.

Ordinarily, we would not dignify such a publication with a response. However, because of the numerous falsehoods, distortions and deliberate attempts to mislead members of our great party and the Nigerian public, we consider it necessary to set the record straight.

1. Tanimu Turaki, SAN, Was Never Expelled from the PDP

The Edo State PDP rejects the reckless and misleading assertion that Mallam Tanimu Turaki, SAN, was expelled from the Peoples Democratic Party.

To the best of our knowledge and records, no competent organ of the PDP validly expelled Mallam Tanimu Turaki, SAN.

We therefore challenge those making this allegation to publish the authentic resolution of the appropriate organ of the party authorising such an expulsion together with any valid court judgment affirming their claim.

Political propaganda cannot replace documentary evidence.

2. Austin Nwachukwu Cannot Speak for the Forum of State Chairmen

The Edo State PDP is equally compelled to address the role of the so-called Austin Nwachukwu, who has continued to parade himself as a spokesperson for the Forum of PDP State Chairmen.

For the avoidance of doubt, Austin Nwachukwu was unanimously suspended from the Forum of PDP State Chairmen for gross misconduct. He remains suspended from the Forum and therefore lacks the authority or standing to speak or act on its behalf.

Indeed, the Forum of PDP State Chairmen had at a press conference held in Abuja on the 14th of October, 2025 publicly distanced itself from the lawsuit seeking to halt the party’s national convention and took disciplinary action against this character, Austin Nwachuku responsible for instituting the suit. Dr Tony Aziegbemi was unanimously elected as Chairman of the Forum. Those disciplinary measures underscored the Forum’s commitment to party unity. That suspension has not been lifted.
His continued attempts to disturb the peace of the Peoples Democratic Party by falsely presenting himself as representing the Forum are misleading and should be disregarded by party members and the general public.

3. Nigerians Deserve the Truth

Rather than addressing the constitutional issues confronting our party, the authors of the press conference resorted to personal attacks, inflammatory rhetoric and misinformation.

The real issue before members of the PDP is not the personality of Mallam Tanimu Turaki, SAN.

The real issue is whether the Constitution of the PDP, internal democracy and the rule of law shall continue to guide the affairs of our great party.

History cannot be rewritten through press conferences.

4. The Question of INEC Recognition Is Still Pending Before the Court of Appeal

We are particularly surprised by the attempt to create the impression that the issue of recognition by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has been finally determined.

That assertion is misleading.

The issue concerning the lawful leadership of the PDP for purposes of recognition by INEC remains the subject of pending litigation before the Court of Appeal.

Accordingly, it is improper and prejudicial for anyone to make definitive pronouncements on matters that remain sub judice.

We therefore urge party members, the media and the general public to disregard attempts to prejudge issues that are presently before the appellate court.

We remain confident in the judicial process and shall abide by the final judgment of the courts.

5. Security Agencies Should Not Be Used to Settle Internal Political Disputes

We are equally disturbed by the invitation extended to security agencies to intervene in what is fundamentally an internal political disagreement.

Security agencies should not be drawn into partisan political contests or deployed as instruments of intimidation.

Their constitutional responsibility is to maintain law and order without fear or favour.

6. Let Elder Statesmen Remain Above Internal Disputes

The unnecessary attempt to draw former President Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, GCFR, into this internal disagreement is unfortunate.

Former President Jonathan has earned national and international respect as a statesman committed to democracy and peaceful political engagement.

His name should not be used by any group to legitimise its political position.

7. The Rule of Law Must Prevail

The Edo State PDP remains firmly committed to constitutionalism and the rule of law.

Internal disagreements within the party should be resolved through the appropriate organs of the party and the courts of competent jurisdiction—not through media trials, threats or intimidation.

We shall continue to pursue every available constitutional and legal remedy in accordance with the law.

8. The PDP Belongs to All Its Members

The Peoples Democratic Party belongs to its members across Nigeria.

It is not the personal property of any individual or group.

Every member has the right to insist that the Constitution of the party is respected and faithfully implemented.

Attempts to silence legitimate constitutional concerns through propaganda will ultimately fail.

9. Our Message to PDP Members

We urge all faithful members of the PDP in Edo State and across Nigeria to remain calm, united and resolute.

Do not be distracted by misinformation.

Remain committed to the ideals upon which our great party was founded.

Truth, justice and the rule of law will ultimately prevail.

The Edo State Chapter of the PDP remains unwavering in its commitment to internal democracy, constitutional order and the rebuilding of a united, credible and formidable Peoples Democratic Party.

CONCLUSION

We call on all members of our great party to refrain from inflammatory statements capable of misleading the public or prejudicing matters presently before the courts.

The strength of the PDP has always been its commitment to democracy, justice and respect for the rule of law.

We remain confident that truth will prevail and that all outstanding issues will ultimately be resolved in accordance with the Constitution of the PDP and the laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

May God bless the Peoples Democratic Party.

May God bless Edo State.

May God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Signed

Dr. Anthony Aziegbemi
Chairman, Edo State Chapter
Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)/Chairman, PDP Forum of state chairmen

August 3, 2026