PDP crisis deepens as Supreme Court nullifies Turaki- led Convention

Nigeria’s opposition politics took a dramatic turn on Wednesday as the Supreme Court delivered a split judgment that not only dismissed a key appeal in the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) leadership crisis but also voided the party’s controversial 2025 national convention in Ibadan.

In a lead judgment prepared and read by Justice Stephen Adah, the apex court threw out the appeal filed by the Tanimu Turaki-led faction, effectively affirming earlier rulings that had halted the convention. The five-member panel ruled by a narrow 3–2 majority, underscoring sharp judicial scrutiny of the party’s internal processes.

Central to the court’s reasoning was its condemnation of what it described as blatant disobedience of valid court orders by the Turaki camp. The ruling reinforced decisions of both the Federal High Court and the Court of Appeal, which had earlier restrained the PDP from proceeding with the November 15–16, 2025 convention in Ibadan, Oyo State.

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The legal dispute was triggered by former Jigawa State Governor Sule Lamido, who challenged his exclusion from the race for the party’s national chairmanship. Lamido had argued that denying him access to nomination forms violated principles of internal democracy and due process—an argument that found sympathy across the judicial ladder.

By upholding the lower courts’ positions, the Supreme Court has now firmly established that the PDP cannot sidestep its own rules or judicial directives in managing leadership contests. The verdict also delivers a significant blow to the faction aligned with Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, which had backed the Turaki-led appeal in a bid to salvage the convention.

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Beyond the immediate legal implications, the judgment introduces a fresh layer of uncertainty into the PDP’s already fragile internal structure. With the convention nullified and longstanding grievances validated at the highest judicial level, the party faces mounting pressure to rebuild trust among its factions and chart a clear path forward.

Political analysts say the ruling may prove pivotal in shaping the PDP’s readiness for future elections, as questions linger over its capacity to enforce internal discipline and project unity. For now, the spotlight shifts to the party’s leadership and how it intends to comply with the court’s decision while managing deepening divisions within its ranks.