The Court of Appeal in Ibadan has urged the rival factions of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to settle their differences amicably, describing the ongoing dispute as a “family matter that has gone sour.”
Justice Biobele Georgewill, presiding over the appellate court, made the remarks while hearing appeals arising from conflicting judgments issued by the Federal High Court and the Oyo State High Court in Ibadan regarding the party’s Ibadan convention.
The development follows a Motion on Notice filed by the appellant’s counsel, Mr. Fredrick Ladapo, on March 4, 2026, requesting the withdrawal of the appeal.
During the proceedings, Justice Georgewill asked both parties’ counsel to clarify the pending applications and processes before the court.
Commenting on the dispute, the judge emphasized that the PDP’s internal crisis was essentially a family issue that had unnecessarily escalated. He noted that the withdrawal notice presented an opportunity for an out-of-court resolution.
“The dispute in the PDP, as a family affair, has gone sour,” Justice Georgewill said, adding that with the appeal withdrawal, the matter “could now be settled.”
The court directed the two factions to meet with their lawyers to negotiate and agree on terms for settlement. Justice Georgewill explained that once the parties present their agreed terms, the court would adopt them as its judgment.
The case has been adjourned until March 11 to allow the parties to report the outcome of their discussions. The adjournment also covers the two appeals challenging the conflicting decisions of the Federal High Court and the Oyo State High Court regarding the PDP’s Ibadan convention.
The judge further instructed counsel for both sides to appear on the adjourned date to indicate whether their clients are willing to embrace a settlement. He warned that if no agreement is reached, the court would either proceed with hearing the appeal or transfer the case to Abuja for consolidation with other related appeals.
