The Court of Appeal in Abuja is currently hearing a string of appeals challenging the legality of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) national convention held in Ibadan, Oyo State, in November 2025, a case that could determine the validity of the party’s current national leadership.
A three‑member panel, led by Justice Mohammed Danjuma, is reviewing eight separate appeals arising from conflicting judgments by three Federal High Courts and one State High Court, all raising questions about the conduct and legality of the convention that produced the PDP’s National Working Committee (NWC).
Top PDP officials are in attendance, including Chairman Abdulrahman Mohammed, National Secretary Samuel Anyanwu, National Organising Secretary Umar Bature, Youth Leader Bala Aboki, National Publicity Secretary Jungudo Haruna Mohammed, and Board of Trustees Chairman Senator Mao Ohuabunwa. Several state chairmen, led by Mr. Austin Nwachikwu, are also present.
The legal battle over the convention predates the event itself. In the weeks leading up to the November 15–16, 2025 gathering, several courts issued conflicting orders on whether the party could proceed with its national convention.
Despite the uncertainty, the exercise went ahead, resulting in the election of 20 NWC members. Among those elected were Tanimu Turaki — National Chairman, Hamza Akuyan Koshe — Deputy National Chairman (North), Daniel Ambrose Woyengikuro — Deputy National Chairman (South), and Arapaja Taofeek Gbola‑Oladejo — National Secretary.
A faction of the PDP aligned with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, did not participate in the convention.
The legal challenge centres on the conflicting judicial directives that emerged in the run‑up to the convention. A Federal High Court in Abuja initially restrained the party from holding the event, citing irregularities in state congresses and other compliance concerns.
Meanwhile, a High Court in Oyo State granted an order permitting the convention to proceed. Shortly after, another Federal High Court in Abuja again restrained the exercise, raising additional concerns about the publication of the timetable and other procedural matters.
The appeals now before the Court of Appeal will determine which of the lower court orders, if any, prevail.
The appellate court’s final ruling is expected to settle the controversy over whether the Ibadan convention and the Turaki‑led NWC are lawful under Nigerian law and the PDP constitution.
