The Court of Appeal in Abuja has affirmed a Federal High Court judgment barring the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from recognising the outcome of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) national convention held in Ibadan, Oyo State.
The Ibadan convention, held in November 2025, saw the election of new national officers, including Kabiru Turaki as chairman, under the backing of Governors Seyi Makinde and Bala Mohammed.
Justice James Omotosho of the Abuja Division of the Federal High Court had, on October 31, 2025, restrained INEC from recognising the convention results.
In a unanimous ruling on Monday, a three-member panel of the appellate court dismissed the PDP’s appeal, ruling that the Federal High Court was correct in granting all reliefs sought by the plaintiffs.
The appellate court also rejected claims that the trial court lacked jurisdiction, stating that the plaintiffs had the legal standing to protect their democratic rights. Additionally, the court dismissed the PDP’s contention that it was denied a fair hearing.
The Turaki-led PDP faction was ordered to pay N2 million as costs, with the court describing the appeal as frivolous.
Tensions had escalated during the convention when members loyal to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, were suspended. These members challenged their suspension in court.
On December 22, 2025, INEC refused requests from the Turaki-led team to recognise the party’s new National Working Committee (NWC), citing existing court judgments and unresolved legal matters. The commission emphasised that pending appeals do not automatically halt the enforcement of court rulings.
The Federal High Court in Abuja had nullified the Ibadan convention and barred Turaki and other officials from acting as national officers of the party.
Despite the setback, the Turaki faction insisted that its leadership structure remained intact and announced plans to appeal the decision, pursuing all available legal options.
(NAN)
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