PDP Leadership Battle Heads to Verdict as Supreme Court Reserves Judgment on Ibadan Convention

The protracted leadership crisis within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has moved closer to a decisive moment, with the Supreme Court reserving judgment on an appeal seeking to validate the controversial Ibadan convention.

The appeal was filed by the faction led by Tanimu Turaki, which emerged from the November 2025 convention in Oyo State.

A five-member panel headed by Justice Mohammed Lawal Garba heard arguments from all sides before announcing that judgment would be delivered at a later date.

The Turaki-led group is asking the apex court to overturn earlier decisions that invalidated the convention, while also urging the dismissal of a cross-appeal by a rival faction aligned with Nyesom Wike.

Opposing parties, including Sule Lamido, argued that the appeal should be dismissed, insisting the matter goes beyond internal party affairs and falls within the jurisdiction of the courts.

At the centre of the dispute is the controversial decision by the PDP to proceed with its Ibadan convention despite a Federal High Court order stopping it.

The court had ruled that Lamido was unfairly excluded from contesting for national chairman and directed that the process be halted until he was allowed to participate.

The appellate court later criticised the PDP for ignoring the order, describing its action as “self-help” and a “gross abuse of court process.”

It held that the convention lacked legal validity, citing failure to comply with statutory requirements such as conducting proper state congresses and issuing valid notice to INEC.

The court also rejected arguments that the matter was purely internal, emphasising that compliance with electoral laws makes it justiciable.

Parallel legal battles continue, with the PDP and its key organs also challenging related judgments at the Supreme Court.

The outcome of the case is expected to determine which faction holds legitimate leadership of the party, amid an ongoing struggle that has seen competing conventions and court orders deepen divisions within the opposition party.

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