The Court of Appeal, Abuja Division, has reserved its judgment in nine separate appeals arising from the leadership crisis within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). The appeals challenge several Federal High Court rulings that had previously sought to invalidate the party’s National Convention held in Ibadan, Oyo State, on 15 and 16 November 2025.
The convention in question resulted in the emergence of Tanimu Turaki (SAN) as the National Chairman, alongside a new suite of national officers. However, the legitimacy of their election remains the subject of intense legal scrutiny.
During the proceedings on Thursday, a three-member appellate panel presided over the adoption of written briefs from the rival factions. The primary appeal, marked CA/ABJ/CV/1613/2025, was filed by the PDP, its National Working Committee (NWC), and the National Executive Committee (NEC).
Lead counsel for the appellants, Chief Chris Uche (SAN), argued that the lower court’s judgment, delivered by Justice James Omotosho on 31 October 2025, was rendered without proper jurisdiction. He urged the appellate court to set aside the trial court’s orders, describing the challenges to the convention as “misconceived.”
In a notable turn, Joseph Daudu (SAN), representing the first to third respondents, also challenged the lower court’s jurisdiction—albeit from a different perspective. He contended that matters concerning the chairmanship of a political party are internal affairs and should remain beyond the purview of the Federal High Court.
The nine appeals are rooted in three distinct judgments from the Federal High Court, Abuja, presided over by Justices James Omotosho, Peter Lifu, and Joyce Abdulmalik.
Justice Omotosho had originally halted the Ibadan convention on the grounds that the PDP failed to comply with statutory requirements under the party’s constitution and the Electoral Act. Key issues cited included:
Invalid Notices: The court found that convention notices signed solely by the National Chairman, without the National Secretary’s signature, were null and void.
Procedural Lapses: The party failed to provide the mandatory 21-day notice to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Subsidiary Legislation: The judge ruled that INEC’s regulations have the force of law, thereby elevating the dispute beyond a mere “internal party affair.”
Adding to the party’s legal woes, Justice Peter Lifu had also restrained the PDP from proceeding with the convention following a suit by former Jigawa State Governor, Sule Lamido. Mr Lamido alleged he was unlawfully denied the opportunity to purchase a nomination form for the national chairmanship, thereby breaching his right to participate.
The appellate court has concluded the hearing of all processes and informed the parties that a date for the final judgment will be communicated in due course.
The eventual ruling is expected to be a watershed moment for the PDP, as it will determine whether the Tanimu Turaki-led executive can legally continue to steer the affairs of Nigeria’s main opposition party ahead of the 2027 general elections.
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