Laja Adeoye, a Peoples Democratic Party governorship hopeful in Lagos, has called for calm and unity among party members following the Supreme Court’s judgment on the party’s leadership crisis.

Mr Adeoye made the call in a statement on Friday, urging members to rally behind the party’s board of trustees, now assuming interim leadership responsibilities.

He described the April 30 judgment as an opportunity for the PDP to rebuild and reposition itself ahead of the 2027 elections.

“The Supreme Court has given our great party a fresh start. At this critical moment, every peace-loving and progress-driven member must resist any temptation to prolong division.

“The fragile peace that has returned must be nurtured, not jeopardised. There are no victors and no vanquished, only one PDP ready to fight and win in 2027. At this point, all aggrieved members, irrespective of which side of the divide they once belonged to, must submit themselves to the authority of the mainstream BOT.

“We cannot afford any action that will shut the party out of the forthcoming general elections or deny our aspirants the opportunity to meet INEC nomination deadlines,” Mr Adeoye said.

The Supreme Court, in a split 3–2 decision, nullified the PDP National Convention held in Ibadan on November 15 and November 16, 2025, which produced the Kabiru Tanimu Turaki-led National Working Committee.

In a separate unanimous ruling, the apex court also upheld the suspension of former national secretary Samuel Anyanwu and others, invalidating all actions taken by the affected officials after their suspension.

Following the judgment, the PDP BOT, led by its chairman, Adolphus Wabara, and secretary, Babangida Aliyu, assumed control to prevent a leadership vacuum.

The BOT has since directed party staff to resume duties at the party’s national secretariat in Abuja and announced plans to convene an emergency National Executive Committee meeting to appoint interim leadership.

Mr Adeoye commended key stakeholders who played roles in resolving the crisis through legal means.

“Let us reach across the aisle, heal old wounds, and bring everyone back into the fold. Lagos PDP must lead the charge for a truly united, formidable, and winning party in 2027,” he said.

He urged PDP leaders in Lagos and the South-West to intensify reconciliation efforts and mobilise members toward strengthening the party.

Mr Adeoye reaffirmed his loyalty to the PDP and pledged support for the BOT-led process aimed at repositioning the party for electoral success.

“The PDP is one. The PDP is alive. And under the guidance of the Board of Trustees, we shall return stronger, more united, and ready to deliver the good governance that Nigerians deserve,” he said.

(NAN)