A chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Plateau State, Chief Kefas Wungak Ropshik, has called on party stakeholders to embrace unity, discipline, and reconciliation following the recent Supreme Court judgment affecting the party’s internal leadership structure.
Reacting to the apex court’s decision, which invalidated the Ibadan convention and recognised a factional leadership, Ropshik described the development as a defining constitutional moment for the party, urging members to exercise maturity and restraint.
Ropshik, a governorship aspirant, said, “The Peoples Democratic Party has, in recent times, endured significant internal turbulence, ideological contestation, and factional divisions that have tested the resilience of our great party.”
According to him, while the Certified True Copy (CTC) of the judgment is yet to be released, party members must resist the temptation to misinterpret the ruling for personal or factional gain.
“The recent judicial pronouncement by the Supreme Court, which invalidated the Ibadan convention and recognised the Abdulrahman-led leadership, represents a critical constitutional moment that demands maturity, restraint, and institutional discipline from all stakeholders,” Ropshik stated.
He further emphasised the need to accord legitimacy to the leadership currently recognised by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), pending a comprehensive review of the court’s decision.
“While the certified text of the judgment is yet to be formally released, wisdom dictates that the leadership presently recognised by the Independent National Electoral Commission be accorded due legitimacy, rather than being subjected to premature or self-serving interpretations of the court’s decision,” he added.
Ropshik cautioned against triumphalism or divisive celebrations, stressing that the moment calls for healing and rebuilding within the party.
“This, however, is not a moment for triumphalism or factional celebration. It is a moment for reconciliation, unity, and collective purpose,” he noted.
The Plateau PDP governorship hopeful expressed optimism about the party’s future, insisting that despite recent challenges, the PDP remains a formidable force in Nigeria’s political landscape.
“Amid the uncertainties of recent months, one undeniable truth remains—the Peoples Democratic Party remains firmly on the ballot in this electoral cycle. That reality vindicates the loyalty and steadfastness of party faithful who refused to abandon the party in its most challenging season,” he said.
Ropshik concluded on a hopeful note, urging members to remain steadfast and committed to the party’s ideals.
“The darkest days are behind us, and with unity and conviction, the light at the end of the tunnel is now clearly within sight,” he declared.
