The Supreme Court of Nigeria on Thursday invalidated the national convention of the Peoples Democratic Party held in Ibadan, Oyo State, on November 15 and 16, 2025, further intensifying the party’s leadership crisis ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In a split decision by a five-member panel, the court dismissed an appeal filed by a faction led by former Minister of Special Duties, Tanimu Turaki, ruling that it lacked merit. The majority upheld earlier judgments of the Federal High Court and the Court of Appeal, both of which had nullified the convention.
Delivering the lead judgment, Justice Stephen Adah stated that the appellants acted in clear violation of an existing court order that restrained them from proceeding with the convention.
He emphasized that the breach of the court order was undisputed and described the action as a serious threat to the administration of justice.
The court consequently dismissed both the appeal and cross-appeals, directing all parties to bear their own costs.
The dispute stemmed from the controversial convention organised by the Turaki-led faction despite pending legal issues and unresolved disagreements over party congresses in several states.
Aggrieved members had earlier approached the Federal High Court in Abuja, arguing that the organisers failed to comply with provisions of the Electoral Act and the party’s constitution. The court subsequently barred the convention from holding until its directives were met.
Despite this, the event proceeded in Ibadan, producing a factional leadership and sparking further legal battles, including allegations of forum shopping.
In its ruling, the apex court condemned attempts to undermine judicial authority by obtaining conflicting orders from courts of equal jurisdiction. Justice Adah noted that instead of appealing the original ruling, the appellants sought a separate order from another High Court in Ibadan to proceed with the convention.
The court described this conduct as a grave abuse of court process and warned that disregard for judicial authority by political actors threatens constitutional democracy and the rule of law.
Reaffirming the constitutional role of political parties, the court held that they must operate within legal and judicial boundaries, noting that their authority is derived from the Constitution and subject to court orders.
The ruling effectively upholds earlier decisions that the Ibadan convention was conducted in violation of valid court orders and established legal procedures, bringing the legal challenge to a close.
