By Peter Omopo
The Court of Appeal in Abuja has affirmed the judgment of a Federal High Court that barred the Independent National Electoral Commission from recognising the Peoples Democratic Party National Convention held in Ibadan in November 2025.
The appellate court upheld the earlier decision that nullified the convention conducted on November 15, 2025, and set aside the election of party executives that emerged from the exercise.
The lower court had also restrained the newly elected officials from parading themselves as national officers of the party.
Kabiru Tanimu Turaki, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, had emerged as the PDP National Chairman during the convention, which attracted delegates from the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.
The convention was widely described as controversial, with disputes over zoning arrangements, delays in accreditation, and allegations of last-minute manoeuvres by rival factions within the party.
In its ruling, the Court of Appeal dismissed the argument by the Turaki-led faction that the court lacked jurisdiction to hear the suit because the matter concerned the internal affairs of the party.
The appellate court also rejected a preliminary objection raised by respondents loyal to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, who had argued that Chris Uche, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, was not properly authorised to represent the PDP in the case.
The court ruled that the objection lacked merit, noting that the former National Legal Adviser of the party, Kamaldeen Ajibade, had been suspended by the National Working Committee.
It further held that the plaintiffs had the legal standing to institute the suit in defence of their democratic rights and ruled that the PDP was not denied fair hearing as claimed in the appeal.
The court subsequently awarded a cost of N2 million against the PDP for filing what it described as a frivolous appeal.
The judgment is expected to further shape the ongoing leadership crisis within the party following the disputed Ibadan convention.
