Tension Rises In PDP As Appeal Court Rules On Wike–Makinde Dispute Today

Both the faction associated with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, and the camp backed by several PDP governors insist that legal precedents and statutory provisions support their respective claims.

The appellate court is scheduled to deliver judgment on Monday in several consolidated cases relating to the party’s leadership dispute.

According to The PUNCH, the National Publicity Secretary of the National Working Committee led by Tanimu Turaki, Ini Ememobong, confirmed that the court had fixed the suits for judgment.

Similarly, Jungudo Mohammed, spokesperson for the caretaker committee supported by Wike, also confirmed that the appellate court sitting in Abuja would decide the matter.

Both camps, in separate remarks, expressed confidence that the verdict would favour them.

The crisis originated after the PDP convention held on November 15, 2025, in Ibadan, which produced Turaki and other members of the National Working Committee for a four-year tenure.

The convention received the backing of PDP governors, including Seyi Makinde and Bala Mohammed.

The governors also oversaw the leadership transition from former acting chairman Umar Damagum to Turaki before Damagum’s tenure ended on December 9.

However, a rival faction loyal to Wike set up a 13-member caretaker committee on December 8, appointing Mohammed Abdulrahman as acting national chairman and Samuel Anyanwu as acting national secretary with a 60-day mandate.

Attempts by both factions to hold meetings at the party’s national secretariat, Wadata Plaza in Abuja, on November 18, 2025, descended into chaos, leading to physical confrontations.

Following the incident, the Nigeria Police Force sealed the party secretariat, which has remained shut since then.

Both factions subsequently sought recognition from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), but the electoral commission declined to recognise either group, triggering extended legal battles.

One of the consolidated cases before the appellate court is suit number FHC/ABJ/CS/2120/2025, which earlier halted the PDP convention pending compliance with provisions of the party constitution, the Nigerian Constitution, and the Electoral Act.

The case was filed by three PDP members — Austin Nwachukwu, Amah Abraham Nnanna, and Turnah Alabh George.

Another suit was instituted by former governor Sule Lamido, in which Justice Peter Lifu restrained INEC from supervising any PDP convention that excluded him as a contestant.

Additional cases, including one originating from the Oyo State High Court, are also contesting the legality of the Ibadan convention.

Speaking on the anticipated ruling, Mohammed said previous decisions by the Supreme Court of Nigeria strengthened the caretaker committee’s position.

“The provisions of the law and precedents already established by the Supreme Court and the Court of Appeal give us strong confidence that the judgment will favour us,” he stated.

He argued that the convention breached provisions of the Electoral Act, the Nigerian Constitution, and the PDP constitution.

In response, Ememobong said the Turaki-led National Working Committee remained confident in the judiciary and believed the court would deliver justice.

“Our optimism stems from the fact that we submitted ourselves to the jurisdiction of the courts, and we have full confidence in the judiciary,” he said.

He added that the party believes the law supports its position and hopes the ruling will further strengthen Nigeria’s democratic institutions.

Meanwhile, the PDP Governors’ Forum, chaired by Governor Bala Mohammed, urged party members to remain calm as they await the judgment.

In a statement released by its Director-General, Emmanuel Agbo, the forum reiterated the party’s commitment to respecting the judicial process.

The statement described the judiciary as a key institution in protecting democracy and urged party members to maintain peace before, during, and after the verdict.

Earlier, Lagos PDP governorship aspirant Funso Doherty called on the President of the Court of Appeal to expedite the ruling.

In a letter dated March 5, 2026, Doherty warned that uncertainty over the party’s leadership could disrupt preparations for the 2027 general elections.

He noted that INEC had scheduled party primaries to begin on April 23, 2026, stressing that an early ruling would provide clarity for the party and its stakeholders.

According to him, the court’s decision will play a significant role in shaping the PDP’s internal processes and determining the legitimacy of candidates the party presents in the next election cycle.