Rival factions of Nigeria’s main opposition Peoples Democratic Party on Friday traded sharp reactions after an Oyo State High Court upheld the party’s 2025 national convention held in Ibadan.
A faction aligned with Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike rejected the ruling, describing it as inconsequential and insisting the November convention remains invalid.
Justice Ladiran Akintola ruled that the Nov. 15–16, 2025 convention complied with the 1999 Constitution, the Electoral Act and other relevant laws, affirming the emergence of a leadership led by Tanimu Turaki.
The court granted all reliefs sought by the claimant and dismissed motions seeking to halt proceedings, finding no breach of due process in the conduct of the convention.
It held that all legal requirements, including statutory notice to the Independent National Electoral Commission, had been satisfied and directed the commission to give effect to the outcome of the convention pending any contrary ruling by a higher court.
The Wike-backed National Caretaker Committee, however, said the judgment has no binding effect on INEC.
“The judgment … is an inconsequential development and is best described as a mere academic exercise,” said spokesman Jungudo Mohammed. “It does not bind INEC as the commission was neither joined nor represented in the suit.”
The faction argued that earlier rulings by the Federal High Court in Abuja and Ibadan had restrained INEC from recognizing or monitoring the convention, adding that plans for a fresh convention were underway.
In contrast, the Turaki-led National Working Committee welcomed the ruling, calling it a victory for internal democracy.
“The party welcomes this judgment as a vindication of both fact and law,” spokesman Ini Ememobong said, adding that the convention was conducted in line with the party’s constitution and Nigerian law.
The ruling adds to a protracted leadership dispute within the PDP ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In January, a Federal High Court in Ibadan annulled the same convention and barred Turaki and others from presenting themselves as party leaders.
The crisis deepened after party governors backed the Ibadan convention, while a rival faction formed a caretaker committee and appointed an acting leadership.
Clashes between both sides in November led to violence at the party’s national secretariat in Abuja, which was subsequently sealed by police.
Both factions have sought recognition from INEC, but the commission has declined to recognize either side, leading to multiple court cases.
A fresh convention announced by the Wike-aligned faction is scheduled for late March in Abuja, while the Court of Appeal has reserved judgment on consolidated cases related to the leadership crisis.
