PDP crisis: Wike-backed state chairmen seek probe of Turaki-led faction over alleged forgery

Chairmen of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) from the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory aligned with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, have called on security agencies to investigate a rival faction of the party led by Kabiru Tanimu Turaki over allegations of forgery and misrepresentation of court judgments.

Speaking at a press conference at the party’s national headquarters in Abuja, the Chairman of the Forum, Austin Nwachukwu, accused members of the Turaki-led group of continuing to present themselves as a legitimate faction of the PDP despite what he described as their expulsion from the party.

The group urged law enforcement agencies to investigate what it termed the “criminal and malicious forgery and distortion of court judgments,” arguing that the alleged actions threaten public order and undermine the rule of law.

Nwachukwu maintained that the only recognised leadership of the PDP is the National Working Committee (NWC) led by National Chairman Abdulraham Mohammed and National Secretary Samuel Anyanwu.

He alleged that the Turaki-led faction had engaged in a sustained campaign of misinformation, impersonation and unlawful conduct by claiming to represent the PDP despite court rulings to the contrary.

According to him, there is only one legally recognised PDP, which is acknowledged by both the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the courts, and any attempt by another group to claim the party’s identity amounts to deception.

The forum also appealed to former President Goodluck Jonathan to publicly distance himself from the Turaki-led group, alleging that members of the faction had continued to invoke his name in support of their activities.

The chairmen urged Jonathan to clarify his position, saying his public standing and influence would help prevent further confusion over the party’s leadership dispute.

The allegations and claims made by the Wike-backed chairmen had not been addressed publicly by the Turaki-led faction at the time of the report.