The legal battle for the soul of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) reached a climax on Monday, March 9, 2026, as the Court of Appeal delivered a definitive judgment that has shifted the power balance within Nigeria’s main opposition party.
In a unanimous decision, the three-member appellate panel nullified the National Convention held in Ibadan on November 15 and 16, 2025, effectively sacking the National Working Committee (NWC) led by Tanimu Turaki (SAN).
The Verdict: A Blow to the Turaki-Led Faction
The court upheld the earlier ruling of the Federal High Court, which had invalidated the convention on the grounds of procedural non-compliance. The lead justice, Mohammed Danjuma, ruled that the party failed to adhere to its own constitution and the Electoral Act regarding the mandatory 21-day notice to INEC and the conduct of ward congresses.
By this judgment, the court has:
Set aside the February 25 judgment of the Oyo State High Court which had initially validated the Turaki leadership.
Restored the recognition of the Abdulrahman Mohammed-led Caretaker Committee as the authentic administrative head of the party.
Restricted Tanimu Turaki and his team from parading themselves as national officers of the PDP.
Drama in the Courtroom
The atmosphere at the Court of Appeal was charged, with heavyweights from both divides of the opposition party in attendance. Despite the high stakes, members from the rival factions were seen maintaining a level of decorum.
Tanimu Turaki (SAN) and Samuel Anyanwu (representing the Mohammed/Wike-aligned camp) were both present in the gallery, flanked by their respective legal teams and party loyalists. While the Turaki camp remained stoic during the three-hour reading of the judgment, the Mohammed-led faction erupted in quiet celebration as the final orders were handed down.
Financial Penalties and Harsh Words
The appellate court did not mince words, describing the attempt to validate the Ibadan convention through a state high court while a federal court had already ruled on the matter as “an abuse of court process.” Consequently, the court slapped a N2 million fine on the appellants (the Turaki faction) for what it termed a “meritless appeal.”
What This Means for the PDP
This judgment is a significant victory for the faction aligned with Nyesom Wike and Samuel Anyanwu, effectively stalling the “Rebirth Movement” championed by several PDP governors, including Seyi Makinde and Bala Mohammed.
While the Turaki-led group has the option to take the matter to the Supreme Court, this ruling creates an immediate leadership vacuum for their faction. With the 2027 election cycle approaching, the PDP now faces an uphill task of unifying its ranks under a single, legally recognised leadership to avoid being disqualified from fielding candidates in upcoming primaries.
