Kabiru Turaki Tells Court: “You Can’t Cancel a Convention Like a Subscription”

Kabiru Turaki led PDP has firmly rejected a court ruling that nullified its national convention, describing the judgment as legally defective and politically destabilising. The party announced that it has filed a formal appeal, insisting that the convention was validly convened and conducted in line with the PDP constitution and Nigeria’s electoral framework.

Speaking on behalf of the faction, Kabiru Turaki said the ruling represents an unwarranted intrusion into the internal affairs of a political party. He maintained that the decision undermines democratic principles and threatens the autonomy guaranteed to political parties under Nigerian law.
The development has intensified the leadership crisis within the PDP, as competing factions continue to assert legitimacy. However, the Turaki-led group insists that the appeal process will ultimately affirm the convention and restore stability to the party’s national structure.

Kabiru Turaki Faults Judgment, Cites Violation of Party Autonomy

According to Kabiru Turaki, the judgment failed to take into account established judicial precedents that discourage courts from interfering in internal party matters. He argued that conventions and congresses fall squarely within the domestic jurisdiction of political parties, except where there is clear evidence of gross illegality.

Turaki stressed that all procedural requirements were duly observed before and during the national convention, including statutory notices and broad-based participation by party delegates. He accused the litigants of attempting to use the courts to achieve what they could not secure through democratic processes within the PDP.

Legal advisers aligned with Kabiru Turaki further contended that the court overreached its powers by entertaining issues already addressed by the party’s internal dispute resolution mechanisms. They expressed strong confidence that the appellate court would overturn the ruling.

Kabiru Turaki Confirms Appeal, Vows to Defend Party Supremacy

Confirming that an appeal has been filed, Kabiru Turaki said the PDP is fully prepared to pursue justice through all available legal channels. He emphasized that the case goes beyond leadership positions and touches on the fundamental principle of party supremacy and internal democracy.

Turaki reassured PDP members nationwide that the leadership produced by the convention remains intact pending the determination of the appeal. He urged party faithful to remain calm and resolute, noting that internal cohesion is critical as the PDP seeks to reposition itself ahead of future elections.

He also warned that continued judicialisation of party affairs poses a serious risk to Nigeria’s democratic development. According to Kabiru Turaki, political disputes should primarily be resolved through dialogue, consensus, and constitutional mechanisms rather than endless litigation.

Kabiru Turaki and the Wider Implications for PDP, Opposition Politics

Political analysts say the legal battle involving Kabiru Turaki could have significant consequences for the PDP’s future and Nigeria’s opposition landscape. Prolonged uncertainty over leadership may weaken the party’s organisational capacity and distract it from its role as a credible opposition force.

Observers also note that the outcome of the appeal could set an important precedent on the limits of judicial intervention in political party affairs. A favourable ruling for Kabiru Turaki may strengthen party autonomy, while an adverse decision could embolden further legal challenges within parties.

As the appeal progresses, attention remains firmly on Turaki, the judiciary, and the PDP leadership crisis. The case is widely seen as a defining moment not just for the PDP, but for the health of internal democracy within Nigeria’s multiparty system.

“You Can’t Nullify What We Voted For” — Kabiru Turaki Fires Back

Turaki has rejected a court ruling that nullified the PDP national convention, insisting that democracy doesn’t work on remote control. According to the Turaki-led faction, the convention followed due process and cannot be erased with a judicial delete button.

An appeal has now been filed, with Turaki making it clear that the PDP is not folding its tent anytime soon. For him, party supremacy is not a suggestion—it’s the rulebook.