The Court of Appeal has reserved judgement in a series of appeals arising from the disputed national convention of the Peoples Democratic Party held in Ibadan, Oyo State, in November 2025.
The appeals stem from conflicting rulings by different courts, including decisions of the Federal High Court of Nigeria and other courts in Ibadan and Abuja over the legality of the convention.
Despite earlier court orders halting the exercise, organisers proceeded with the convention between November 15 and 16, producing Tanimu Turaki as national chairperson alongside other party officers.
A related suit filed by a rival faction aligned with Nyesom Wike is still pending before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik in Abuja. The case seeks to stop the Turaki-led group from representing the party and from accessing its national secretariat. Proceedings in that matter were adjourned pending the outcome of the appeals.
During Thursday’s hearing, lawyers for the Turaki-led faction asked the court to overturn earlier rulings that invalidated the convention. However, lawyers representing the opposing faction, led by acting chairman Mohammed Abdulrahman, urged the court to uphold the lower court decisions.
After listening to submissions from all parties, the three-member panel announced that judgement had been reserved, with the date for delivery to be communicated later.
Among the parties listed in one of the appeals are the PDP leadership bodies and the Independent National Electoral Commission, along with several individuals.
The dispute dates back to October 31, 2025, when a Federal High Court in Abuja initially halted the convention following a suit by party members who alleged violations of constitutional and electoral guidelines.
