The Federal High Court in Ibadan has nullified the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) National Convention held on November 15, 2025, at the Lekan Salami Stadium, Adamasingba, Oyo State.
The ruling also barred Kabiru Turaki and members of his National Working Committee (NWC) from presenting themselves as national officers of the party.
The convention, tagged #Ibadan2025, had drawn thousands of delegates and leaders for a two-day event. It was expected to elect a new NWC, including a National Chairman, to lead the party into the 2027 general elections.
The court’s decision now throws the legitimacy of the PDP’s leadership into question and raises uncertainty about its preparations for the next electoral cycle.
Delivering judgment on Friday, the court declared that the Caretaker Committee led by Mohammed Abdulrahman and Senator Samuel Anyanwu remains the only recognized leadership of the PDP until a valid national convention is conducted.
PDP Reaction to the Ruling
In response, PDP National Publicity Secretary Comrade Ini Ememobong issued a statement urging members to remain calm.
“We are aware of the judgment of the Federal High Court, Ibadan, delivered this morning, which essentially declined to grant the order of mandamus sought on the ground that doing so would, in the court’s view, amount to sitting on appeal over judgments of courts of coordinate jurisdiction,” he said.
Ememobong confirmed that the party has instructed its lawyers to file an appeal immediately.
“We have accordingly briefed our lawyers to immediately file an appeal and to take all further legal steps necessary to advance our arguments and firmly protect our position on this matter,” he added.
Despite the ruling, the Turaki-led faction insists it remains intact.
“Notwithstanding this judgment, the Kabiru Turaki–led Peoples Democratic Party, which emerged from the Ibadan Convention, remains legally intact and unshaken, as we await the authoritative pronouncement of the appellate courts,” Ememobong stated.
He further encouraged members to stay committed. “We therefore urge our members to remain resolute and committed as there is absolutely no cause for alarm. The REBIRTH movement remains firmly on course,” he said.
Implications for PDP Leadership
Legal experts say the ruling could reshape the PDP’s internal structure ahead of the 2027 elections.
With the court recognizing the caretaker committee, questions now is about whether the party can organize another convention in time to unify its leadership.
The judgment also reveals that ongoing internal disputes within the PDP, which has struggled to maintain cohesion since losing power at the federal level in 2015, is not abetting anytime soon.
Observers note that the outcome of the appeal will be critical in determining whether the Turaki-led executives retain influence or whether the caretaker committee consolidates control.
Rate, Like 👍, Comment 💬, Share this article, Follow us on our social media handles, and Submit your own story to get featured and earn rewards!
WhatsApp Channel
Telegram Channel
