Court Nullifies PDP Ibadan Convention, Recognizes Wike’s Faction As Valid National Leadership

The Federal High Court in Ibadan has nullified the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) National Convention held on November 15, 2025, in Ibadan, Oyo State, and barred Kabiru Tanimu Turaki, SAN, and others from presenting themselves as national officers of the party.

In its ruling delivered on Friday, the court also recognized the caretaker committee led by Ambassador Umar Damagum and Senator Samuel Anyanwu as the only valid national leadership of the party.

The court ordered that a fresh and properly conducted national convention must be held to elect a new national working committee.

Despite internal disputes, the PDP had gone ahead with its highly anticipated two-day 2025 Elective National Convention at Lekan Salami Stadium, Adamasingba, Ibadan. Tagged #Ibadan2025, the convention drew thousands of party delegates and leaders.

The convention had produced Senior Advocate of Nigeria Kabiru Tanimu Turaki as the party’s national chairman after a tense process involving delegates from across the country.

The event was marked by disputes over zoning, delays in accreditation and allegations of last minute manoeuvres by rival factions, leading to brief disruptions despite heavy security.

The convention was expected to elect a new National Working Committee (NWC), including a National Chairman, who would steer the party ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The court’s ruling casts uncertainty over the legitimacy of the leadership and raises questions about the party’s preparations for the next electoral cycle.

Party members and legal experts are now awaiting further clarification on the implications of the judgement for the PDP’s national leadership structure.

The court held that granting the mandamus would amount to “sitting on appeal” over judgments of courts of coordinate jurisdiction, a decision that the Turaki-led party described as “not unexpected.”

The Turaki-led faction of the Peoples Democratic Party has announced plans to appeal the judgment delivered on Friday by the Federal High Court in Ibadan, following the court’s refusal to grant an order of mandamus.

In a statement posted by PDP’s National Publicity Secretary, Ini Ememobong, on X account on Friday, the Turaki-led PDP faction confirmed that it has instructed its legal team to immediately file an appeal and pursue all necessary legal steps to protect its position in the matter.

Despite the setback, the party emphasised that the Kabiru Turaki-led faction, which emerged from the Ibadan Convention, remains legally intact and unshaken.

The party said it is awaiting the final pronouncement of the appellate courts, which it believes will uphold its position.

The statement urged members to remain calm and resolute, insisting there is “absolutely no cause for alarm.” The party also reiterated that the rebirth movement remains firmly on course.

“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,” the statement said.

“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,” the statement added.

The development comes amid ongoing disputes within the PDP over leadership and recognition of factions, with each side seeking legal validation of its legitimacy.

As the case progresses to the appellate court, party members and supporters will be closely watching for a definitive ruling that could shape the direction of the PDP ahead of upcoming political engagements.

The nullification of the Ibadan convention and the recognition of the Damagum-Anyanwu caretaker committee as the valid national leadership represents a significant setback for the Turaki faction, which had hoped the convention would settle the party’s leadership crisis.

However, with the Turaki faction vowing to appeal and expressing confidence in the appellate courts, the leadership crisis within Nigeria’s main opposition party appears set to continue for the foreseeable future.

The outcome of the appeal will have significant implications for the PDP’s ability to present a united front ahead of the 2027 general elections and its capacity to effectively challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).