A Federal High Court sitting in Ibadan, Oyo State, has nullified the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) National Convention held on November 15 and 16, 2025, prompting contrasting reactions from rival party factions.
The ruling affects leadership structures within Nigeria’s main opposition party as it prepares for the 2027 general election.
The court’s judgment declared the convention invalid and barred Kabiru Tanimu Turaki and others purportedly elected at the event from presenting themselves as national officers of the party.
It also reaffirmed that the caretaker committee led by Mohammed Abdulrahman and Senator Samuel Anyanwu remains the only recognised National Working Committee (NWC) of the PDP until a valid convention is held.
The Turaki-led National Working Committee described the court decision as flawed and has filed a notice of appeal and motion for a stay of execution to the Court of Appeal.
Turaki’s camp said the judgment conflicts with existing court decisions and urged the appellate court to consolidate all pending party cases to deliver a definitive ruling.
Addressing journalists, Turaki said the judgement was “technically academic” pending higher court determination and reaffirmed that the NWC produced at the Ibadan convention remains legally intact while the appeal progresses.
He said the group approached the courts seeking recognition of the convention by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
In contrast, the Wike-aligned faction of the PDP welcomed the court’s decision. A statement by the National Publicity Secretary of the caretaker committee, Jungude Haruna Mohammed, said the judgment upheld constitutionalism and the rule of law, and reaffirmed the legitimacy of the caretaker committee’s leadership.
The faction urged party members to remain calm, law-abiding and united, and emphasised that the PDP’s legitimacy stems from adherence to its constitution, applicable laws and valid court orders rather than disputed conventions.
The court’s ruling deepens an existing leadership crisis within the PDP, which has seen extended legal battles over party governance and recognition by INEC.
Both factions continue to seek official endorsements as the 2027 general election approaches, making resolution of the dispute pivotal for the party’s organisational cohesion.
A Federal High Court has nullified the PDP’s 2025 national convention, barring leadership elected at the event and affirming the caretaker committee’s authority.
The Turaki-led faction has appealed the decision, while the Wike-aligned committee has welcomed the judgment, underscoring ongoing legal and political contestation within the party’s leadership ahead of national elections.
