Supreme Court Nullifies PDP’s 2025 Ibadan Convention in Blow to Turaki-Led Faction

The Supreme Court of Nigeria on Thursday nullified the national convention organised by a faction of the Peoples Democratic Party in Ibadan, Oyo State, dealing a major setback to the group aligned with former Minister of Special Duties, Tanimu Turaki.

In a split ruling delivered by a five-member panel, the apex court upheld earlier judgments of the Federal High Court and the Court of Appeal, which had declared the convention invalid over violations of an existing court order.

The disputed convention was held in Ibadan on November 15 and 16, 2025, amid deepening leadership tensions within the opposition party.

Delivering the lead judgment in appeal number SC/CV/164/2026, Justice Stephen Adah ruled that the organisers proceeded with the gathering despite a subsisting order restraining them from conducting the convention.

According to the court, the appellants failed to challenge the fact that they acted in defiance of the Federal High Court’s directive, making their appeal legally unsustainable.

The Supreme Court consequently dismissed both the appeal and related cross-appeals while directing all parties to bear their respective legal costs.

The judgment represents another major chapter in the prolonged internal crisis within the PDP, Nigeria’s main opposition party, which has struggled with factional disputes, leadership battles and legal confrontations since losing power at the federal level in 2015.

Political observers say the ruling could significantly reshape ongoing power negotiations within the party ahead of the 2027 general elections, particularly as different blocs continue to compete for control of the PDP’s national structure.

The invalidated Ibadan convention had reportedly produced key decisions and alignments backed by the Turaki-led faction, which argued that the gathering was necessary to reposition the party and resolve lingering leadership disagreements.

However, opponents within the party challenged the legality of the exercise, insisting that it violated existing judicial orders and constitutional procedures guiding party conventions.

The dispute eventually escalated through multiple courts before reaching the Supreme Court for final determination.

Legal analysts say the judgment reinforces the judiciary’s longstanding position that political parties and their members must obey court orders regardless of internal political disagreements.

The ruling also underscores the growing role of the courts in resolving party leadership disputes in Nigeria, where internal democratic processes are frequently contested through litigation.

Over the years, the Supreme Court has delivered several landmark judgments affecting the leadership and electoral fortunes of major political parties, including the PDP and the ruling All Progressives Congress.

Analysts warn that continued factional battles within the PDP could weaken the party’s ability to effectively challenge the APC in future elections, especially as political activities ahead of 2027 gradually intensify across the country.

The PDP has remained Nigeria’s largest opposition platform despite internal divisions involving governors, former ministers, lawmakers and influential party stakeholders competing for strategic control.

Thursday’s ruling is expected to trigger fresh consultations among party leaders as efforts continue to stabilise the party and prevent further fragmentation before the next electoral cycle.