Appeal Court to Deliver Crucial Verdict on PDP Leadership Dispute
The Court of Appeal in Abuja is set to deliver judgment in several appeals arising from the leadership crisis rocking the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) over its controversial national convention held in Ibadan, Oyo State.
The appeals challenge earlier rulings of the Federal High Court in Abuja concerning the conduct of the party’s national convention scheduled for November 15 and 16, 2025. A three-member panel of the appellate court is expected to give its decision after hearing arguments from all parties involved in the dispute.
The legal battle stems from disagreements between factions within the party over control of its leadership structure. One group is linked to Kabiru Tanimu Turaki, while another faction supports a caretaker arrangement led by Abdulrahman Mohammed.
The appeals seek to overturn various decisions delivered by different judges of the Federal High Court, which addressed the legality of the convention and the processes leading to it.
In one of the suits filed by three PDP members—Austin Nwachukwu, Amah Abraham Nnanna, and Turnah Alabh George—the plaintiffs argued that the party failed to comply with its constitution and provisions of the Electoral Act before announcing the convention.
They alleged that congresses were not properly conducted in several states and that mandatory procedures required under the party’s constitution and electoral regulations were not followed. The plaintiffs also questioned whether the appropriate notices were issued to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to enable it monitor the congresses.
Earlier rulings by the Federal High Court raised concerns about whether all legal requirements were fulfilled before the convention was scheduled, leading to orders restraining the electoral body from recognising outcomes related to the disputed process.
Another suit was filed by former Jigawa State governor Sule Lamido, who claimed he was denied the opportunity to contest for the position of national chairman. The court had earlier held that the party must address the issues raised before proceeding with the convention.
With deepening divisions within the party, the Court of Appeal’s judgment is expected to significantly influence the future leadership structure of the PDP and determine the validity of decisions arising from the Ibadan convention.
Source: Nigerian Standard Magazine.
