Supreme Court voids PDP Ibadan convention as Wike gains upper hand

THE Supreme Court on Thursday nullified the national convention of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) held in Ibadan, Oyo State, on November 15 and 16, 2025, worsening the internal leadership crisis within Nigeria’s main opposition party as the 2027 general elections approach.

In a split decision delivered by a five-member panel, three justices ruled that the appeal brought by a faction of the party led by former Minister of Special Duties, Tanimu Turaki (SAN), was without merit. The court consequently upheld the earlier judgments of both the federal high court and the court of appeal, which had invalidated the convention.

Delivering the lead judgment in appeal number SC/CV/164/2026, Justice Stephen Adah held that the appellants proceeded with the convention in clear violation of an existing order of the federal high court. The order had restrained them from going ahead with the exercise pending compliance with prior directives.

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Justice Adah noted that the breach of the court order was undisputed, describing the action as a serious threat to the administration of justice in the country.

Following its findings, the apex court dismissed both the appeal and the cross-appeals, directing all parties involved to bear their respective costs.

The dispute stemmed from the controversial Ibadan convention organised by the Turaki-led faction despite ongoing legal challenges and unresolved disagreements over congresses conducted in several states.

Some aggrieved members of the party had approached the Federal High Court in Abuja, arguing that the organisers failed to meet statutory requirements outlined in the Electoral Act and the party’s constitution. The trial court subsequently restrained the PDP from holding the convention until it complied with its directives.

Despite the subsisting order, the convention proceeded and produced a factional leadership, triggering further legal battles and allegations of forum shopping within the party.

In its ruling, the Supreme Court condemned attempts by political actors to undermine judicial authority by obtaining conflicting orders from courts of equal jurisdiction.

Justice Adah observed that rather than comply with the federal high court’s directive or pursue an appeal, the appellants approached another high court in Ibadan, where they secured orders that allowed them to go ahead with the convention.

He described the action as a blatant abuse of court process that undermines the justice system.

The court warned that persistent disregard for judicial orders by political actors poses a significant threat to constitutional democracy and the rule of law.

According to Justice Adah, the rule of law remains the foundation upon which legitimate governance is built, cautioning that treating court decisions as optional endangers democratic principles.

The apex court further emphasised that although political parties are voluntary organisations, their existence and operations are grounded in the constitution, making them subject to judicial authority.

Citing relevant provisions of the 1999 Constitution, the court held that political parties are constitutionally recognised institutions established to participate in governance and elections, and must therefore comply with lawful court orders.

Justice Adah also stressed that the federal high court, as a superior court of record, cannot be disregarded simply because its rulings are inconvenient to any party.

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The Supreme Court affirmed the findings of the lower courts that the PDP faction’s actions amounted to an abuse of court process, particularly in obtaining what was described as a counter-order from a court of coordinate jurisdiction in Ibadan.

Earlier, in its March 9 ruling, the court of appeal had upheld the federal high court’s decision, declaring that the convention was conducted in violation of subsisting court orders and due legal procedures.

Dissatisfied with that outcome, the Turaki-led faction approached the Supreme Court, seeking multiple reliefs, including the setting aside of the lower courts’ decisions and validation of the Ibadan convention. However, the apex court dismissed the appeal in its entirety.

The Supreme Court had reserved judgment in the matter after hearing arguments from all parties on April 22.

Even though the court did not mention names, it means that Turaki is not the authentic PDP chairman, leaving the Nyesom Wike’s faction in the pole position to steer the party’s affairs. However, legal pundits say that the Seyi Makinde’s faction may approach the court again to seek clarification on which faction is in control of the party. Otherwise, they say, both factions can come together and sheathe their swords ahead of the 2027 elections.