Supreme Court Nullifies PDP Ibadan Convention, Dismisses Turaki-Led Appeal

The Supreme Court of Nigeria has nullified the national convention of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) held in Ibadan, declaring it unlawful and dismissing an appeal filed by the faction led by Taminu Turaki.

In a majority judgment delivered on Thursday by Justice Stephen Adah, the apex court held that the November 15–16, 2025 convention was conducted in violation of an existing order of the Federal High Court issued by Justice James Omotosho.

Court Slams Abuse of Process

The court strongly criticised the Turaki-led group for approaching another court of coordinate jurisdiction instead of appealing the earlier ruling, describing the action as an abuse of court process.

“This court will not lend its machinery to any litigant who abuses the process of the court. This appeal is lacking in merit and is hereby dismissed,” the court ruled.

The judgment emphasized that any party that disobeys a valid court order does so at its own risk, reinforcing the importance of adherence to the rule of law.

Background to the Dispute

The legal battle stemmed from a suit filed by Sule Lamido, who obtained an injunction restraining the PDP from holding the convention until he was allowed to contest for the position of national chairman.

Despite the order, the party proceeded with the convention, an action later invalidated by both the Federal High Court and the Court of Appeal.

The appellate court had ruled that the matter was not shielded by the doctrine of internal party affairs, as it involved disobedience to a subsisting court order.

Division Among Justices

While the majority upheld the nullification, a minority judgment delivered by Justice Haruna Samani argued that issues relating to party leadership fall within internal party affairs and are generally not justiciable.

Justice Abubakar Umar supported this view but stressed that disobedience to court orders remains unacceptable.

Implications for PDP

The ruling is expected to deepen the ongoing leadership crisis within the PDP, which has seen factions emerge and counter-decisions taken.

In March, a rival convention backed by Nyesom Wike was held in Abuja, producing new party leadership and further complicating the dispute.

Analysts say the Supreme Court’s decision could significantly reshape the party’s internal structure ahead of future elections, while also reinforcing judicial authority over political processes.

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