The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has declared that its internal battle is far from over following today’s Court of Appeal ruling upholding the suspension of key national officers, including the National Legal Adviser, and affirming earlier Federal High Court judgments.

In a press statement issued in response to the decision, the party described the judgment as one that would cause significant hardship to its members if fully implemented.

The ruling, delivered by a panel presided over by Hon. Justice Mohammed Ambi-Usi Danjuma, upheld the suspensions of the National Legal Adviser (Kamaldeen Ajibade), along with extensions to other officers such as the National Secretary (Senator Samuel Anyanwu) and National Organising Secretary (Umaru Bature).

It also confirmed the judgments from Justices James Omotosho and Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court, Abuja, while dismissing the appeal against interlocutory orders by Justice Joyce Abdulmalik.

The statement emphasized that the operational impact of the ruling would bring “untold hardship” on party members. To address this, the PDP revealed it is actively consulting with critical organs of the party on next steps while instructing its legal team to file an immediate appeal to the Supreme Court, the country’s apex court, for final adjudication.

“We are hopeful that the apex court will expeditiously settle this matter in the interest of democracy,” the statement read.

The PDP urged its supporters and members to remain resolute, expressing confidence that the ongoing struggle would ultimately end in victory. “We urge our members to stand firm, trusting that soon this battle will be over and we shall be more than conquerors,” it added.

The party framed the crisis as a broader fight to “rescue our party from the hands of government agents masquerading as opposition leaders,” vowing to continue the struggle with determination.

The Court of Appeal’s decision deepens the PDP’s protracted leadership and factional crisis, which has involved disputes over national conventions, disciplinary actions, and control of party structures.

No immediate comment has emerged from the suspended officers or opposing factions within the party.

Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal has officially defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), a move that further strengthens the APC’s dominance among state governors in Nigeria.

The announcement was made through a statement issued by the Director General of Media and Communication in the Governor’s office, Nuhu Anka. It followed extensive consultations with political stakeholders, leaders, elders, and supporters across the state.

According to the statement, Governor Lawal’s decision came “after careful consideration, and in the overriding interest of stability, progress, and the sustainable development of Zamfara State.”

The governor cited prolonged internal crises, leadership disagreements, and unresolved structural challenges within the PDP at both national and state levels as key factors prompting the switch.

The final deliberations took place at the Government House in Gusau, coordinated by the Deputy Governor, Mani Malam Mummuni, alongside senior government officials and key political figures.

The deputy governor publicly announced the defection on behalf of the governor and his team, confirming that Lawal, his political appointees, and supporters would now align with the APC.

Governor Lawal emphasized that the current political realities and ongoing turmoil in the PDP necessitated this “bold step” to prioritize good governance and the future prosperity of Zamfara State.

The defection increases the number of APC-controlled governorships to 31, dealing another blow to the PDP amid its persistent internal divisions.

This development comes after months of speculation about Lawal’s potential move, fueled by the PDP’s leadership challenges and earlier reports of consultations with stakeholders.

No immediate reaction has been reported from the PDP national leadership or Zamfara chapter regarding the governor’s exit.

In a significant development in Rivers State’s political landscape, the Rivers State House of Assembly has confirmed five commissioner nominees presented by Governor Siminalayi Fubara following their screening exercise held today, March 9, 2026.

The confirmed nominees are:

– Tonye Bellgam

– Temple Nwofor

– Peters Nwagor

– Lekue Kenneth

– Amairigha Edward Hart

Four other nominees:

—Datonye Alasia, Charity Deemua, Tamuno Williams, and Otonye TKD Amachree—were not confirmed by the assembly.

The nine nominees were initially submitted by Governor Fubara last week as part of efforts to reconstitute his cabinet amid ongoing governance restructuring in the state.

The screening session took place this morning at the Assembly Chamber in Port Harcourt, with nominees appearing before lawmakers for review.

The House has advised Governor Fubara to proceed with the swearing-in of the confirmed commissioners.

The assembly has since adjourned until Tuesday, March 17, 2026.

This partial confirmation comes after weeks of anticipation surrounding the nominees, who are expected to fill key positions in the state executive council.

More details on the reasons for the non-confirmation of the remaining four nominees are awaited, as this move signals progress in stabilizing the state’s leadership structure.