2027: “WE’LL BE ON THE BALLOT” — IKENYA BREAKS SILENCE ON INEC LIST
…says legal battle over PDP candidates not over, urges supporters not to panic
Former Minister and Taraba State PDP governorship contender, Senator Joel Danlami Ikenya, has broken his silence over the recent publication of candidates by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, insisting that the legal battle over the authentic candidates of the Peoples Democratic Party is far from over.
Ikenya, in a press statement, urged his supporters and members of the PDP across Taraba State not to panic over the publication, expressing confidence that ongoing court cases would ultimately determine the legitimate leadership of the party and, consequently, its candidates for the forthcoming elections.
His reaction comes amid controversy within the PDP following INEC’s publication of candidates submitted by the Abdulrahman-led faction, a development that has generated uncertainty among supporters of rival tendencies within the party.
Ikenya maintained that INEC’s publication should not be interpreted as the final resolution of the dispute.
“The publication of the candidates submitted by the Abdulrahman-led faction of the PDP does not amount to the final determination of the dispute over the authentic PDP candidates in the country,” he said.
“MATTER STILL BEFORE THE COURTS”
According to Ikenya, several aspects of the PDP leadership crisis remain subjects of litigation.
He cited an appeal before the Supreme Court arising from the January 30, 2026 Court of Appeal ruling relating to the judgment of Justice Uche Agomoh of the Federal High Court, Ibadan.
He also referred to another appeal arising from a July 17, 2026 judgment of the Federal High Court in Abuja.
Ikenya argued that the cases raise fundamental questions concerning the legitimate leadership of the PDP, its caretaker arrangements and the consequential nomination of candidates.
He further pointed to the June 3, 2026 decision of the Court of Appeal and questions surrounding whether the Federal High Court went beyond the reliefs sought by parties when it recognised the Abdulrahman-led caretaker committee.
According to him, that remains a significant legal question requiring final judicial determination.
IKENYA CITES TURAKI-LED PDP LEADERSHIP
Ikenya also argued that the Supreme Court decision nullifying the PDP’s Ibadan convention did not, in his interpretation, confer authority on the Abdulrahman-led caretaker committee.
He maintained that subsequent developments prompted the party’s Board of Trustees and National Executive Committee to establish an Interim National Working Committee led by Kabiru Taminu Turaki, SAN.
According to Ikenya, the decision was communicated to INEC, while the dispute surrounding its legal status is now before the Court of Appeal.
He further cited a recent Court of Appeal decision concerning the Osun State off-cycle governorship election, which he said upheld a PDP governorship candidate submitted by the Turaki leadership.
Ikenya argued that the development reinforces his position that competing claims over the PDP leadership remain matters for judicial determination.
“NO PANIC, WE WILL BE ON THE BALLOT”
Addressing his political supporters directly, Ikenya called for calm and unity, saying there was no reason to abandon political mobilisation because of the INEC publication.
“Our message to the PDP family in Taraba is therefore simple: remain calm, stay united and do not give up,” he said.
“The legal process is ongoing, and we remain confident that justice will prevail.”
Ikenya expressed optimism that the courts could provide greater clarity before the end of September or early October.
“We remain confident that we will be on the ballot,” he declared.
He consequently directed his supporters, candidates and party leaders at ward, local government and state levels, as well as women and youth groups, to continue legitimate political mobilisation and engagement with voters.
WARNS SUPPORTERS AGAINST VIOLENCE
Despite the disagreement, Ikenya cautioned his supporters against violence, provocation or any action capable of threatening peace in Taraba State.
“Our strength is in the law, democracy and the people,” he said.
He added: “We believe in the rule of law, and we trust that the courts will deliver justice.”
Ikenya concluded the statement with another emphatic declaration:
“We will be on the ballot.”
The statement further deepens the uncertainty surrounding the PDP governorship ticket in Taraba following INEC’s publication, with the rival camps now looking to the appellate courts for what could be decisive rulings on the party’s leadership and nomination disputes.
