Court Of Appeal Considers Fate Of PDP National Convention Amid Legal Storm

The Court of Appeal in Abuja is currently hearing multiple appeals challenging the legality of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) national convention held in Ibadan, Oyo State, in November 2025—a case that could decide the legitimacy of the party’s current national leadership.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

A three‑judge panel, headed by Justice Mohammed Danjuma, is reviewing eight separate appeals arising from conflicting judgments issued by three Federal High Courts and one State High Court. All the cases question the conduct and legality of the convention that elected the PDP’s National Working Committee (NWC).

Key PDP officials are present, including Chairman Abdulrahman Mohammed, National Secretary Samuel Anyanwu, National Organising Secretary Umar Bature, Youth Leader Bala Aboki, National Publicity Secretary Jungudo Haruna Mohammed, and Board of Trustees Chairman Senator Mao Ohuabunwa. Several state chairmen, led by Austin Nwachikwu, are also in attendance.

The legal dispute over the convention began even before it took place. In the weeks leading up to the November 15–16, 2025 gathering, courts issued conflicting orders on whether the party could hold its national convention. Despite the judicial uncertainty, the convention went ahead, resulting in the election of 20 NWC members, including Tanimu Turaki as National Chairman, Hamza Akuyan Koshe as Deputy National Chairman (North), Daniel Ambrose Woyengikuro as Deputy National Chairman (South), and Arapaja Taofeek Gbola‑Oladejo as National Secretary.

A faction of the PDP aligned with Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, boycotted the convention.

The legal challenge focuses on the contradictory court directives issued prior to the event. While a Federal High Court in Abuja initially barred the PDP from holding the convention over alleged irregularities in state congresses and procedural lapses, a High Court in Oyo State later permitted the convention to proceed. Soon after, another Federal High Court in Abuja issued a fresh restraining order, citing issues with the publication of the timetable and other procedural concerns.

The appeals now before the Court of Appeal will determine which of the lower court orders, if any, should prevail. The appellate court’s final decision is expected to settle the dispute over whether the Ibadan convention and the Turaki‑led NWC are legally valid under Nigerian law and the PDP constitution.

Stay connected via Google News

Follow us for the latest travel updates and guides.