The Appeal Court in Abuja has invalidated the Peoples Democratic Party's national convention held in Ibadan, fining the faction led by Taminu Turaki for its defiance of court orders.
On Monday, the Court of Appeal in Abuja delivered a significant ruling that invalidated the national convention of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) held in Ibadan on November 15-16, 2025. This decision upheld an earlier ruling by the Federal High Court and demonstrated a decisive step in addressing the leadership dispute within the PDP. The convention resulted in the Taminu Turaki faction assuming leadership, despite the proceedings being in direct defiance of prior court orders.
The three-member panel of judges unanimously dismissed appeals from the Turaki-led faction, reinforcing the court's stance against the convention’s legitimacy. In addition to nullifying the convention results, the court imposed a financial penalty of N2 million against the appellants, which included Taminu Turaki and other members of the National Working Committee (NWC). This financial punitive measure serves both as a reprimand and as a deterrent against future legal defiance.
This ruling is notable as it marks the first significant appellate court decision on the matter, amidst a backdrop of conflicting judgments stemming from lower court rulings in both Abuja and Ibadan. It sets a legal precedent and invites potential further appeals from the parties involved, highlighting the ongoing internal struggles within the PDP which may have broader implications for the party’s future and governance in Nigeria as factions vie for power within the country’s political landscape.
