The Court of Appeal in Abuja has upheld a lower court judgment nullifying the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) national convention held in Ibadan in November 2025. In a unanimous decision delivered on Monday, the appellate court affirmed the ruling of Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court, which had previously barred the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from recognizing the leadership produced by the controversial exercise.
The court dismissed a challenge filed by the PDP faction led by Kabiru Tanimu Turaki, which sought to set aside the earlier judgment. The faction had argued that the Federal High Court lacked jurisdiction over the matter, asserting that the convention and the resulting leadership changes were strictly internal affairs of the political party. However, the appellate panel ruled that the court possesses the authority to intervene when a party’s actions infringe upon the democratic rights of its members or violate established electoral guidelines.
The ruling follows months of internal friction within Nigeria’s main opposition party, largely split between a faction supporting the Turaki-led National Working Committee (NWC) and a group loyal to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike. The Ibadan convention, which took place on November 15 and 16, 2025, was held despite a pre-existing court order from Justice Omotosho restraining the party from proceeding.
On the issue of legal representation, the court dismissed preliminary objections raised by the Wike-aligned respondents. The respondents had questioned the eligibility of Chief Chris Uche, SAN, to represent the PDP in the matter. The court, however, ruled that Uche was properly briefed, noting that the former National Legal Adviser, Kamaldeen Ajibade, had been suspended by the party’s NWC and could no longer validly perform legal duties or appoint counsel on behalf of the party.
This judicial intervention highlights the ongoing struggle for the “soul” of the PDP as the 2027 general elections approach. The nullification of the Ibadan convention effectively leaves the party’s leadership in a state of flux, as the court recognized the legitimacy of the caretaker committee led by Mohammed Abdulrahman and Senator Samuel Anyanwu pending a validly conducted convention.
Political analysts suggest that the ruling significantly weakens the standing of the Turaki-led faction while reinforcing the legal position of the aggrieved members who instituted the original suit. The court also ordered the appellants to pay N2 million in costs, describing the appeal as lacking in merit.
Moving forward, the PDP leadership is expected to convene an emergency meeting to review the appellate decision. With the 2027 election cycle drawing closer, the party faces increasing pressure to resolve its internal disputes and establish a legally recognized leadership structure to remain a viable opposition platform.
