An Oyo State High Court sitting in Ibadan has affirmed the validity of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) national convention held in November 2025, recognising Kabiru Tanimu Turaki as the party’s substantive National Chairman. The ruling represents a significant development in the prolonged legal battle over the leadership of the opposition party.
Delivering judgment on Friday, Justice Ladiran Akintola upheld the amended originating summons filed by Musibau Adetunmbi (SAN) on behalf of the claimant, Folahan Malomo Adelabi. The court ruled that the convention complied with the provisions of the 1999 Constitution, the Electoral Act 2022 (as amended), and other applicable electoral laws.
The decision comes amid ongoing disputes within the party and conflicting judicial pronouncements that have left the PDP’s leadership structure uncertain pending the determination of appeals currently before higher courts.
High Court Upholds PDP Convention, Grants All Reliefs
In his ruling, Justice Akintola granted all 13 reliefs sought by the claimant, affirming that the November 15, 2025, convention conducted in Ibadan was valid and legally binding. The court held that the exercise met constitutional requirements and adhered to statutory electoral guidelines.
The court also dismissed motions seeking a stay of proceedings and suspension of the judgment. These applications were filed by Sunday Ibrahim (SAN) on behalf of Austin Nwachukwu and two others. An earlier application for joinder by the same parties had been rejected by the court on grounds of lacking merit.
Significantly, the ruling directed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to recognise and give full effect to the outcomes of the convention, including the leadership of the National Working Committee (NWC) led by Turaki.
Conflicting Judgments Deepen PDP Party Division
The High Court’s validation of the Ibadan convention follows a contrary judgment delivered on January 30, 2026, by the Federal High Court in Ibadan, presided over by Justice Uche Agomoh. In that earlier ruling, the convention was nullified on the grounds that it was conducted in defiance of subsisting court orders.
That decision restrained Turaki and other officials from parading themselves as national officers of the party, intensifying the leadership crisis within the PDP.
The conflicting judgments have further complicated the party’s internal dynamics. Despite the latest affirmation by the Oyo State High Court, a separate bloc within the PDP aligned with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has reportedly dismissed the judgment as inconsequential, maintaining its opposition to the Turaki-led leadership.
Appeals Pending Before Court of Appeal
With divergent rulings from courts of coordinate jurisdiction, attention has shifted to the Court of Appeal, Abuja, where multiple appeals arising from the dispute are currently pending. The appellate court has reserved judgment, leaving the final legal position on the PDP’s leadership unresolved.
Legal analysts note that the Court of Appeal’s decision will be crucial in clarifying the PDP party’s national leadership structure and restoring certainty ahead of future political activities. Until then, both factions appear poised to continue asserting legitimacy based on favourable judicial pronouncements.
The unfolding litigation underscores the complexities of intra-party disputes and the significant role of the judiciary in resolving political conflicts within Nigeria’s democratic framework
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