The legal battle for the leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) reached a decisive conclusion on Thursday as the Supreme Court invalidated the party’s National Convention held in Ibadan, Oyo State, on November 15 and 16, 2025.
The ruling represents a major blow to the faction led by the former Minister of Special Duties, Tanimu Turaki, SAN, as the apex court upheld earlier decisions by the Federal High Court and the Court of Appeal that had nullified the exercise
In a split decision delivered by a five-member panel, three justices concluded that the Turaki-led faction’s appeal lacked merit. The lead judgment, delivered by Justice Stephen Adah in appeal number SC/CV/164/2026, centered on the faction’s failure to respect the rule of law. The court found that the appellants willfully violated a subsisting order from the Federal High Court which had specifically restrained them from proceeding with the Ibadan convention.
Furthermore, the Supreme Court slammed the faction for what it described as an “abuse of court process.” The justices agreed with findings that the group had improperly sought and obtained a counter-order from a court of coordinate jurisdiction in Ibadan to bypass the initial restraining order issued by the Federal High Court.
Justice Adah emphasized that the lower courts were correct in their application of Sections 221, 222, and 229 of the 1999 Constitution. He reiterated that political parties do not operate in a vacuum and must comply strictly with constitutional provisions, electoral regulations, and valid judicial directives when managing internal affairs and conducting conventions.
The ruling effectively affirms the March 9 judgment of the Court of Appeal, which had not only nullified the convention’s proceedings but also barred the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from recognising any officials or outcomes emerging from the November event.
The apex court, which had reserved its judgment on April 22 after hearing intensive arguments from all parties, dismissed both the primary appeal and all associated cross-appeals. In closing the matter, the court ordered all parties involved to bear their respective legal costs.
This finality leaves the Turaki-led faction without legal recourse and plunges the opposition party back into a state of administrative uncertainty as the 2027 election cycle draws nearer.
