Appeal Court Set to Decide PDP Leadership Dispute as Rival Factions Express Confidence

As Nigeria awaits a crucial judicial decision, rival factions within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have expressed strong confidence that the Court of Appeal will rule in their favour in the long-running leadership dispute. The judgment, expected today in Abuja, is widely regarded as a defining moment that could determine the direction of one of Nigeria’s major opposition parties ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The two opposing camps—one backed by several PDP governors and another aligned with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike—have both insisted that legal precedents, constitutional provisions, and electoral laws support their respective claims. The outcome of the case is expected to clarify who legitimately leads the party’s national structure after months of internal conflict and litigation.

PDP Rival Leadership Claims and the Origin of the Dispute

The current crisis stems from competing claims over the leadership of the PDP following the party’s national convention held in Ibadan on November 15. The convention produced a National Working Committee (NWC) led by Tanimu Turaki (SAN), with the backing of several PDP governors including Seyi Makinde of Oyo State and Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State. The governors also supervised the transition of leadership from former acting chairman Umar Damagum to Turaki before Damagum’s tenure ended on December 9.

However, a separate faction loyal to Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, rejected the outcome of the convention and formed a 13-member caretaker committee on December 8. The committee appointed Mohammed Abdulrahman as acting national chairman and Samuel Anyanwu as acting national secretary with a 60-day mandate to reorganise the party structure.

Tensions escalated shortly afterward when both factions attempted to hold meetings at the PDP National Secretariat, Wadata Plaza, on November 18, 2025. The situation descended into chaos, resulting in disorder and physical altercations among party members. Following the incident, the Nigeria Police Force sealed the secretariat, and it has remained closed since then, further deepening the crisis within the party.

Legal Battles and Key Court Cases

The dispute soon moved into the courts, with multiple lawsuits challenging the legality of the party’s leadership and convention. One of the major cases, filed under suit FHC/ABJ/CS/2120/2025, resulted in a ruling that halted the PDP convention until the party complied fully with its constitution, the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and the Electoral Act.

The suit was instituted by three PDP members—Austin Nwachukwu, Amah Abraham Nnanna, and Turnah Alabh George—who argued that due process was not followed in the organisation of the convention. Another significant legal challenge was filed by former governor Sule Lamido, in which the court restrained the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from supervising or recognising any convention that excluded him as a contestant.

Additional cases, including one originating from the Oyo State High Court and another challenging the closure of the PDP National Secretariat, were later consolidated by the Court of Appeal. The appellate court heard arguments from all parties on February 12 and subsequently informed them that judgment would be delivered today.

Expectations Ahead of the Appeal Court Judgment

Both factions have publicly expressed optimism about the outcome of the court’s decision. The Wike-aligned group argues that the party’s convention violated both the Electoral Act and the PDP constitution, adding that previous rulings of the Supreme Court and Court of Appeal support their legal position.

According to the faction’s spokesperson, the courts have previously clarified that the principle of “internal party affairs” does not automatically shield political parties from judicial review when constitutional or statutory provisions are breached. He maintained that the legal precedents give the faction strong confidence that the judgment would favour their position.

On the other hand, the Turaki-led National Working Committee has emphasised its faith in the judiciary and its belief that the court will strengthen democratic principles and the multi-party system in Nigeria. The PDP Governors’ Forum also called for calm among party members and urged supporters to respect the judicial process regardless of the outcome.

Meanwhile, Lagos PDP governorship aspirant Funso Doherty earlier urged the Court of Appeal to deliver a speedy judgment, warning that prolonged uncertainty over the party’s leadership could complicate preparations for primaries and affect the legitimacy of candidates ahead of the 2027 elections.

The Court of Appeal’s ruling is expected to have far-reaching implications for the PDP, not only determining its legitimate leadership but also shaping its organisational stability ahead of future elections. Political analysts say the judgment could either stabilise the party or deepen its internal divisions, depending on how the losing faction responds.

With the 2027 general elections approaching and the Independent National Electoral Commission already publishing its timetable, the PDP faces increasing pressure to resolve its leadership crisis quickly and present a united political front to Nigerians.