Turaki-led PDP Faction Heads to Supreme Court After Appeal Court Voids PDP 2025 National Convention
The faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) led by Kabiru Turaki has resolved to approach the Supreme Court of Nigeria to challenge a ruling by the Court of Appeal of Nigeria which nullified the party’s 2025 national convention.
The appellate court, sitting in Abuja, on Monday affirmed the earlier decision of the Federal High Court of Nigeria that restrained the party from holding the convention conducted on November 15 and 16, 2025, in Ibadan, the capital of Oyo State.
In a unanimous judgment delivered by a three-member panel, the court dismissed the appeal filed by the party, challenging the jurisdiction of the Federal High Court to entertain the suit.
Delivering the lead judgment, Justice Uchechukwu Onyemenam held that the party failed to comply with constitutional and electoral provisions guiding the conduct of a national convention.
The court ruled that the PDP did not properly notify the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as required by law before conducting the convention.
It further noted that the party failed to hold the required number of congresses across states ahead of the convention, a prerequisite under electoral guidelines.
According to the court, the infractions meant the issue could not be treated merely as an internal party affair. Consequently, it upheld the authority of the Federal High Court to restrain INEC from recognising the outcome of the convention.
Reacting to the judgment, the Turaki-led faction rejected the ruling and announced plans to challenge it at the apex court.
In a statement issued by the faction’s spokesperson, Ini Ememobong, the group said the verdict could create serious challenges for members of the party if allowed to stand.
Ememobong disclosed that the party’s legal team had been directed to immediately commence the process of appealing the judgment at the Supreme Court to obtain a final determination on the matter.
He added that consultations were ongoing with relevant organs of the party to determine the next line of action, expressing confidence that the apex court would provide clarity on the dispute.
The spokesperson also urged party members to remain calm, united and patient while the legal process runs its course, assuring that the leadership remains committed to resolving the crisis and strengthening the party’s democratic structure.
EDITOR
Sam Udekwe is a journalist working in the News and Current Affairs department, Enugu State Broadcasting Service (ESBS) Enugu. He is well trained in all genres of journalistic venture.
Mr Sam read Mass Communication, graduating all with Distinction in National Diploma, Higher National Diploma and Postgraduate Diploma at IMT, Enugu and Madonna University, Okija, Anambra state, as well as M.Sc Mass Communication with Second Class(Upper Division) at National Open University of Nigeria.
He is the immediate past NUJ Chairman, Enugu state.
samowailo@gmail.com
