Supreme Court Reserves Judgment in PDP and ADC Leadership Disputes
The Supreme Court of Nigeria has reserved its judgment in two significant appeals concerning the leadership of major political parties, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the African Democratic Congress (ADC). This decision came after a five-member panel led by Justice Lawal Garba heard arguments from both sides, with the judgment date to be communicated later.
PDP's Appeal Over Nullified Convention
The PDP, through its faction led by Tanimu Turaki, filed an appeal seeking to overturn a Court of Appeal judgment that nullified the party's national convention held in Ibadan, Oyo State, on November 15 to 16, 2025. The PDP argues that the matter involves internal party affairs, which are not justiciable, and claims that due processes were followed during the convention.
Lower courts had previously ruled against the Turaki faction, invalidating the Ibadan convention, barring the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from recognizing its outcomes, and restricting access to the national secretariat. These rulings stem from suits filed against judgments delivered on March 9, which affirmed Federal High Court orders preventing the PDP from holding its convention until it complied with statutory provisions like the Electoral Act and Regulations and Guidelines for Political Parties (2022).
In October 2025, the Federal High Court in Abuja halted the PDP faction led by Governors Seyi Makinde of Oyo and Bala Mohammed of Bauchi from proceeding with the convention. On November 14, Justice Lifu issued a final restraining order, citing that Lamido was unjustly denied the opportunity to contest the national chairman position, violating the PDP constitution.
ADC's Jurisdiction Challenge
In a separate appeal, Senator David Mark, the National Chairman of the ADC, challenged the Supreme Court's jurisdiction to intervene in the party's internal affairs. The ADC faction led by Nafiu Bala Gombe has urged party members to remain calm, united, and law-abiding while awaiting the reserved judgment. Gombe commended his followers for their resilience and dedication during this period of uncertainty, emphasizing the need for unity and faith in the rule of law.
Gombe stated, "While we await the court's pronouncement, I urge every member to remain peaceful, law-abiding and focused on our shared vision for Nigeria. Our schedule of activities shall be communicated through official channels immediately after judgment is delivered. Together, we shall emerge stronger, more united, and better positioned to deliver credible leadership to our great party."
Bail Granted to PDP Factional Leader
In a related development, the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in Maitama granted N100 million bail to Tanimu Turaki, the factional PDP chairman. Turaki, who served as Minister of Special Duties and Inter-Governmental Affairs from 2013 to 2015, was accused of providing false information to the police in a 2022 petition. He was arraigned before Justice Peter Kekemeke on a charge marked CR/647/2026, filed by the Inspector General of Police (IGP), alleging an offence under Section 140 of the Penal Code.
Kekemeke had issued an arrest warrant for Turaki on March 26 due to his repeated failure to appear in court, but it was vacated on April 1 after he made himself available and pledged readiness for trial. Turaki pleaded not guilty, and his defence counsel, Abulaziz Ibrahim (SAN), successfully applied for bail pending trial.
The PDP faction, through its National Publicity Secretary Ini Ememobong, reacted to the Supreme Court proceedings, challenging judgments by Justices Omotosho and Lifu of the Federal High Court, which were affirmed by the Court of Appeal. This legal battle highlights the ongoing tensions within Nigeria's political landscape as parties navigate internal disputes and judicial oversight.
