The Supreme Court has voided the national convention the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) held in Ibadan, Oyo State, on November 15 and 16, 2025 which produced the Tanimu Turaki, SAN-led factional national executives of the party.
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) held the convention in Ibadan, Oyo State, on November 15 and 16, 2025, where a factional leadership led by Tanimu Turaki, SAN, emerged. However, the exercise was conducted amid subsisting court orders restraining the party from proceeding with the gathering.
A Federal High Court had earlier barred the convention, citing breaches of the party’s constitution and the failure to comply with due process, including unresolved disputes arising from state congresses. The court also noted that certain aspirants were excluded from the process, rendering it defective.
Despite the order, the convention went ahead, prompting further litigation. The Court of Appeal subsequently upheld the decision of the lower court, affirming that the exercise was held in violation of valid judicial pronouncements and that its outcome could not stand.
Dissatisfied with the concurrent judgments, the Turaki-led faction approached the Supreme Court of Nigeria, seeking to overturn the rulings and validate the convention as well as the executives it produced.
The apex court’s decision to void the Ibadan convention has now effectively affirmed the earlier judgments, putting to rest the legal tussle over the legitimacy of the factional leadership that emerged from the exercise.
PDP leadership Crisis
The ongoing leadership crisis within Peoples Democratic Party has deepened into one of the most consequential internal battles in the party’s recent history.
Rival blocs loyal to FCT minister Nyesom Wike and another faction aligned with Kabiru Tanimu Turaki have emerged which has called the legality of the competing bloc’s conventions to question.
Potential Consequences of Ruling
- Candidate nominations for 2027 could be affected if party leadership remains unsettled.
- Internal division has weakened the PDP’s ability to function as Nigeria’s main opposition force with the faction loyal to Nyesom Wike deciding not to field any presidential candidate in 2027.
