Supreme Court Voids PDP Ibadan Convention, Upholds Lower Courts’ Rulings Against Turaki-Led Faction

Apex court cites violation of subsisting order, dismisses appeal in split judgment

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By Umar Baba | Abuja, Nigeria | April 30, 2026

In a landmark ruling, the Supreme Court has nullified the National Convention of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) held in Ibadan, Oyo State, in November 2025, dealing a significant blow to a faction of the party led by former minister Tanimu Turaki (SAN).

Delivering judgment on Thursday, a five-member panel of the apex court, in a split decision, dismissed the appeal filed by the Turaki-led faction, affirming the earlier rulings of the Federal High Court and the Court of Appeal.

Justice Stephen Adah, who read the lead judgment in appeal number SC/CV/164/2026, held that the appellants acted in violation of a subsisting court order restraining them from proceeding with the convention.

The court ruled that the disobedience of the order was not in dispute, thereby rendering the entire convention invalid.

Court Condemns Disobedience of Judicial Orders
The Supreme Court emphasised that compliance with court orders remains fundamental to the rule of law, noting that the actions of the faction undermined judicial authority.

The justices upheld findings that the faction proceeded with the convention despite clear legal restrictions.

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Abuse of Court Process Established
The apex court also agreed with lower court findings that the faction engaged in abuse of court process by allegedly securing a conflicting order from a court of coordinate jurisdiction in Ibadan after the initial restraining order had been issued.

Constitutional Provisions Reinforced
Justice Adah reaffirmed that political parties must strictly adhere to constitutional and legal provisions in their internal affairs.

He referenced Sections 221, 222, and 229 of the 1999 Constitution, stressing that party conventions must comply with electoral laws and valid judicial directives.

Appeal Dismissed, INEC Position Upheld
The appeal challenged the March 9 judgment of the Court of Appeal, which had upheld the Federal High Court’s decision nullifying the convention and restraining the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from recognising its outcome.

The Supreme Court dismissed both the appeal and cross-appeals, directing parties to bear their respective costs.

The ruling marks a decisive moment in the PDP’s internal leadership dispute and underscores the judiciary’s stance on strict compliance with the rule of law in political processes. Further developments are expected as the party navigates the implications of the judgment