The leadership crisis within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has taken a new turn as the faction led by Tanimu Turaki rejected a recent judgment of the Court of Appeal of Nigeria and vowed to challenge the decision at the Supreme Court of Nigeria.
The dispute centers on the controversial November 2025 national convention held in Ibadan, where Turaki and members of the National Working Committee (NWC) emerged as party leaders. The convention has remained one of the most disputed political gatherings in the party’s recent history, deepening the PDP leadership crisis ahead of future elections.
Appeal Court Nullifies Ibadan Convention
In its ruling, the Court of Appeal sitting in Abuja upheld earlier decisions that invalidated the convention. The court ruled that the process violated provisions guiding party conventions and failed to meet required legal procedures.
According to the judgment, the party did not properly notify the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) before holding the convention as required under Nigeria’s electoral laws.
The court also held that mandatory congresses were not conducted across the required number of states before the event, making the process legally defective.
Based on these findings, the appellate court ruled that the outcome of the convention cannot be recognized and directed that electoral authorities should not acknowledge the leadership that emerged from it.
Turaki Faction Rejects Judgment
Reacting to the ruling, the Turaki-led PDP faction strongly rejected the judgment and insisted that it would pursue further legal action.
In a statement issued by the faction’s spokesperson, the group said its legal team had already been instructed to file an appeal at the Supreme Court.
The faction argued that the ruling could destabilize the party and create unnecessary hardship for members nationwide. It also expressed confidence that the Supreme Court would review the case and deliver a final judgment that would resolve the crisis.
Deepening PDP Leadership Crisis
The court ruling has intensified the ongoing PDP internal leadership battle, with rival factions continuing to fight for control of the opposition party.
Political analysts believe the prolonged legal dispute could weaken the party’s structure and influence as Nigeria gradually moves toward the 2027 general elections.
The conflict began after disagreements over the legitimacy of the Ibadan convention, with several party members challenging the process in court, arguing that it violated both the party constitution and provisions of the Electoral Act.
What Happens Next?
With the Turaki faction now heading to the Supreme Court, the final outcome of the dispute will likely depend on the decision of Nigeria’s highest court.
Observers say the verdict could shape the future leadership structure of the PDP and determine how the party prepares for upcoming national elections.
Until the Supreme Court gives its final ruling, the PDP leadership crisis is expected to remain unresolved, leaving uncertainty within one of Nigeria’s major political parties.
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PDP Turaki faction rejects Appeal Court ruling that nullified the Ibadan convention and heads to the Supreme Court as Nigeria’s opposition party leadership crisis deepens.
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Nigeria Politics, PDP Crisis, Supreme Court, Nigerian Opposition, Court of Appeal, Tanimu Turaki, Political Parties Nigeria
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