Supreme Court Reserves Judgment on PDP Convention Validity Dispute
The Supreme Court of Nigeria has reserved judgment in the appeals challenging the validity of the national convention held by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ibadan, Oyo State, in November 2025. The decision was made on Tuesday after hearing arguments from all parties involved in the contentious legal battle.
Background of the Appeals
The appeals were filed by the Tanimu Turaki-led faction of the PDP, seeking to overturn earlier rulings by lower courts that nullified the outcome of the convention. One of the key appeals originated from an order issued by Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court in Abuja, who initially restrained the PDP from conducting the convention pending the determination of a suit filed by former Jigawa State Governor Sule Lamido.
Justice Lifu later issued a final ruling barring the party from proceeding with the convention, holding that Lamido was unlawfully denied the opportunity to obtain a nomination form to contest for the position of national chairman. This decision was based on findings that the denial contravened the party’s constitution and internal guidelines.
Lower Court Rulings and Appeals
In March, the Court of Appeal upheld Justice Lifu's ruling, prompting the PDP faction to approach the apex court for relief. During the Supreme Court proceedings, counsel to the appellants, led by Senior Advocate of Nigeria Paul Erokoro, urged the court to set aside the appellate court judgment and dismiss the cross-appeal filed by another PDP faction aligned with Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike.
Lawyers representing Lamido and the Wike-backed faction, however, asked the court to dismiss the appeal, arguing that the earlier decisions were valid and should stand. In a related appeal, the PDP, its National Working Committee, and National Executive Committee also challenged another ruling of the Federal High Court in Abuja, which barred the party from holding the convention.
Key Legal Issues
Justice James Omotosho had ruled that the party failed to conduct valid state congresses before the convention as required by the 1999 Constitution, the Independent National Electoral Commission guidelines, and the PDP constitution. This decision was also upheld by the Court of Appeal, which held that there was no basis to reverse the lower court’s verdict preventing INEC from recognising the convention.
The legal disputes highlight significant internal conflicts within the PDP, with factions led by Tanimu Turaki and Nyesom Wike at odds over the party's leadership and procedural compliance.
Supreme Court Proceedings
After hearing arguments from all parties, the five-member Supreme Court panel, led by Justice Mohammed Garba, reserved judgment. The court stated that a date for the ruling would be communicated to the parties in due course. This move leaves the fate of the PDP's 2025 convention in suspense, with potential implications for the party's future political activities and internal cohesion.
The case underscores the ongoing challenges within Nigeria's political parties regarding adherence to constitutional and internal guidelines, as well as the role of the judiciary in resolving such disputes. Observers are keenly awaiting the Supreme Court's final decision, which could set a precedent for similar cases in the future.
