Rep. Fredrick Agbedi, leader of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) caucus in the 10th National Assembly, has reacted to the recent Appeal Court judgment concerning the party’s leadership.
Describing the ruling as a necessary step toward resolving internal disagreements within the party.
Speaking with newsmen at his residence in Yenagoa,, Agbedi, who represents Sagbama/Ekeremor Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, welcomed the court’s decision to nullify the outcome of the party’s previous convention.
He emphasized that in any democratic process, the judiciary remains the ultimate arbiter in resolving disputes.
He assured that the party leadership would meet to review the judgment and decide on the next line of action.
Following the court ruling which effectively vacated the party’s executive positions, the lawmaker explained that the Board of Trustees (BoT), which he described as the “conscience of the party”, along with statutory members of the National Executive Committee (NEC).
Will oversee the management of the party’s affairs pending the conduct of a new convention.
He said: “For me, this is not a problem, rather, it provides clarity and resolves lingering disputes regarding the legitimacy of the executive.
“It also offers the party an opportunity to organize a fresh and credible convention,” he said.
He further noted that the PDP remains a founding political party that has significantly contributed to the political and socio-economic development of Nigeria, Bayelsa and the Ijaw people over the years.
The federal lawmaker also used the opportunity to urge Bayelsa people and loyal party members across the eight Local Government and 105 wards to actively participate in the ongoing digital membership registration exercise.
According to him, party membership remains the gateway to participating in the PDP’s internal democratic processes.
“This is the party that produced former President Goodluck Jonathan,” he reminded supporters.
“We cannot abandon it. I encourage everyone to register so they can participate fully in the party’s activities, including voting and contesting for positions,” he said.
On his political future, Agbedi confirmed his intention to contest for the Senate seat representing Bayelsa West Senatorial District in the 2027 general elections, stating that he will not seek re-election to the House of Representatives.
“I have given my best in the House of Representatives, every stage in leadership calls for growth and greater responsibility.
“I am therefore setting my sights on the Senate to represent the people of Bayelsa West Senatorial District,” he said.
He assured party supporters that despite the current legal challenges, the PDP remains strong and resilient, expressing confidence that the party will overcome its challenges and remain a formidable political force ahead of the next election cycle.