BREAKING: Court of Appeal Upholds Ruling Stopping PDP National Convention, Dismisses Turaki Faction Appeal

By Emmanuel Kwada

In a major development in the ongoing leadership crisis rocking the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the Court of Appeal in Abuja has upheld the decision of the Federal High Court that stopped the party’s controversial National Convention held in Ibadan, Oyo State, in November 2025.

The appellate court dismissed the appeal filed by the faction led by Kabiru Tanimu Turaki (SAN), which sought to overturn the lower court’s ruling invalidating the convention and barring the Turaki-led National Working Committee (NWC) from parading as the party’s legitimate leadership.

The Court of Appeal also awarded a cost of ₦2 million against the appellants, including Turaki and other members of his faction, in what legal observers describe as a significant setback for their claims.

The Federal High Court had previously restrained the PDP from proceeding with the November 15-16, 2025 convention, citing non-compliance with prior court orders and irregularities in the conduct of state congresses.

Despite the restraining orders, the convention went ahead in Ibadan, producing Turaki as National Chairman alongside other officers.

Rival factions, including one reportedly aligned with FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, had secured judgments affirming a caretaker committee as the lawful leadership pending resolution of the disputes.

Today’s ruling comes after the Court of Appeal consolidated multiple appeals related to the convention and reserved judgment earlier this year. Both Turaki and opposing faction leaders were present in court as the decision was delivered.

The judgment deepens the PDP’s internal divisions ahead of future political activities, with analysts warning of potential further appeals to the Supreme Court. Party organs, including the PDP Governors’ Forum, had earlier called for calm and restraint among members pending the outcome.

No immediate reaction has been issued by the Turaki-led group or other factions as of press time, though sources indicate preparations for possible next legal steps.

The ruling reinforces the status quo that halted recognition of the Ibadan convention outcomes, leaving the PDP’s national leadership in limbo amid ongoing factional battles.