The Court of Appeal in Abuja has nullified the national convention of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) held in Ibadan, Oyo State, effectively removing the party’s disputed National Working Committee (NWC) led by Alhaji Taminu Turaki.
In a unanimous judgment on nine consolidated appeals arising from the PDP leadership crisis, the appellate court upheld two earlier rulings of the Federal High Court that voided the November 15 convention at Adamasingba Stadium.
The three-member panel, led by Justice Uchechukwu Onyemenam, ruled that the convention violated provisions of the Electoral Act as well as the Regulations and Guidelines for Political Parties (2022). The court also barred the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from recognising the outcome of the exercise.
Four key issues raised by the Turaki faction were resolved against them. Despite the verdict, Turaki and other leaders in his camp, who were present in court, rejected the decision and announced plans to challenge the ruling at the Supreme Court, insisting that party affairs should not be subject to judicial interference.
Meanwhile, the Abdulrahman Mohammed-led National Caretaker Committee welcomed the judgment, describing it as a step toward restoring order within the party. Its Secretary, Senator Samuel Anyanwu, announced that the PDP would now hold a fresh national convention on March 28 and 29.
Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike, who backs the caretaker committee, said the judgment provides an opportunity for reconciliation within the party after months of internal conflict.
Former Ekiti State governor Ayodele Fayose and PDP chieftain Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim also called for unity among party members, urging leaders and stakeholders to put aside their differences and work toward rebuilding the opposition party.
