The Court of Appeal sitting in Abuja has upheld the judgment of the Federal High Court restraining the Independent National Electoral Commission from recognising the outcome of the Peoples Democratic Party national convention held in Ibadan.
In a unanimous decision, a three-member panel led by Uchechukwu Onyemenam dismissed an appeal filed by a faction of the PDP led by former Minister of Special Duties Kabiru Turaki.
The appellate court ruled that the lower court had jurisdiction to hear the case, rejecting claims that the dispute was merely an internal party matter. It held that the PDP failed to comply with constitutional and statutory requirements before holding the convention.
Among the court’s findings were that INEC was not given a valid notice of the convention and that valid congresses were not conducted in more than 14 states before the convention was convened.
The court emphasised that strict compliance with the 1999 Constitution, the Electoral Act 2022, and party guidelines is essential for democratic governance.
The appeal was consequently dismissed, with the court awarding ₦2 million in costs against the appellants.
The original judgment delivered on October 31, 2025, by James Omotosho had earlier barred INEC from recognising the outcome of the convention until the party complies with the relevant legal provisions.
