Fresh divisions have emerged within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) after a faction aligned with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, dismissed an Oyo State High Court judgment affirming the party’s 2025 national convention held in Ibadan.
Justice Ladiran Akintola, in a ruling delivered on Friday in Suit No. I/1336/2025, upheld the legality of the November 15 and 16, 2025 convention conducted in Ibadan, which produced former minister, Tanimu Turaki, as substantive national chairman of the party.
The court granted all 13 reliefs sought by the claimant and held that the convention complied with provisions of the 1999 Constitution, the Electoral Act 2022 (as amended), and relevant statutory requirements. It further ruled that due process was followed, noting that necessary notices were duly issued and legal conditions satisfied for the exercise.
Justice Akintola also dismissed applications seeking to halt proceedings and suspend delivery of judgment, describing earlier attempts to join additional parties to the suit as lacking merit.
In its decision, the court declared that preventing the convention would have violated constitutional rights to peaceful assembly and association, adding that the outcome of the exercise remains binding pending any contrary ruling by a higher court. It consequently directed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to continue recognising decisions reached at the convention until overturned on appeal.
However, the Wike-backed National Caretaker Working Committee swiftly rejected the judgment, describing it as lacking practical effect.
In a statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Jungudo Mohammed, the faction argued that the ruling carries no binding authority on INEC.
“The judgment reportedly delivered by the Oyo State High Court is an inconsequential development and is best described as a mere academic exercise.
“For the avoidance of doubt, the said judgment does not bind the Independent National Electoral Commission as INEC was neither joined nor represented as a party in the suit,” the statement read.
The faction maintained that earlier rulings of the Federal High Court had restrained INEC from recognising or monitoring the convention, insisting that any judgment excluding the electoral body was ineffective.
“A judgment that does not bind INEC is of no consequence whatsoever as far as the issues at stake are concerned,” it added, while disclosing that preparations for a fresh national convention were already underway.
Conversely, the Turaki-led National Working Committee welcomed the verdict, describing it as judicial confirmation of the legitimacy of the Ibadan convention.
In a statement by National Publicity Secretary Ini Ememobong, the leadership said the ruling reinforced compliance with both party regulations and national laws.
“The party welcomes this judgment as a vindication of both fact and law. It reaffirms the obvious fact that the Ibadan convention was conducted properly, transparently, and in full compliance with the party’s constitution and the laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“We commend the Honourable Court for its courage and fidelity to justice. We reaffirm our faith in the Nigerian judiciary as an independent arbiter and the last hope of the ordinary citizen,” the statement read in part.
The latest development adds another layer to the prolonged PDP leadership crisis, which has seen rival factions approach courts and the electoral commission for recognition ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The dispute intensified after a Federal High Court in Ibadan earlier annulled the same convention in January, directing Turaki and members of his executive to stop parading themselves as national officers — a decision now countered by the Oyo State High Court ruling.
Amid the ongoing tussle, the Wike-aligned caretaker committee has scheduled a fresh national convention in Abuja for March 29 and 30, while the Court of Appeal Nigeria has reserved judgment in consolidated appeals relating to the party’s leadership battle, with a date yet to be announced.
