Our Reporter, Abuja
Factional national chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Kabiru Tanimu Turaki, SAN, has rejected the judgment of the Federal High Court in Ibadan nullifying the party’s November 15, 2025 National Convention, describing the ruling as legally flawed and inconsistent with existing court orders.
Speaking on Friday, Turaki disclosed that the PDP has filed a Notice of Appeal and a Motion for Stay of Execution, vowing to challenge the judgment and pursue the matter to its logical conclusion at the Court of Appeal.
He explained that the party had approached the Ibadan court seeking an order of mandamus to compel the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to recognise the Ibadan Convention and facilitate official communication with the electoral body. However, he faulted the court for granting reliefs that were neither requested nor canvassed by any of the parties.
“The judgment is in material conflict with subsisting orders and previous judgments of courts of coordinate jurisdiction,” Turaki said.
According to him, the ruling represents only one of several Federal High Court decisions on the PDP leadership dispute, noting that the core issues are already before the appellate courts, making the Ibadan judgment technically academic pending a final legal determination.
“This particular judgment is, technically speaking, academic, pending the authoritative pronouncement of the appellate courts,” he stated.
The Federal High Court in Ibadan, had earlier in its ruling, nullified the PDP National Convention held on November 15, 2025, at the Lekan Salami Stadium, Adamasingba, Ibadan, Oyo State. The court also barred Turaki and other members of the National Working Committee (NWC) produced by the convention from parading themselves as national officers of the party.
Despite internal disputes and pending litigations at the time, the PDP had proceeded with its two-day 2025 Elective National Convention, tagged #Ibadan2025, which attracted thousands of party delegates, leaders, and stakeholders from across the country.
The convention was convened to elect a new National Working Committee, including a National Chairman, expected to reposition the party ahead of the 2027 general elections. However, the court’s judgment has now cast uncertainty over the legitimacy of the leadership and raised questions about the PDP’s organisational stability and electoral preparedness.
Legal observers say the ruling could have far-reaching implications for the party’s internal structure, particularly as multiple court cases and competing claims over leadership remain unresolved.
Reacting further, Turaki reassured PDP members nationwide that the NWC produced by the Ibadan Convention remains legally intact and fully operational, urging party supporters to remain calm and steadfast.
“Notwithstanding this judgment, the National Working Committee produced by the Ibadan Convention remains legally intact, firmly in place, and fully committed to the ongoing rebirth of the Peoples Democratic Party,” he said.
He described the ruling as a temporary legal hurdle, insisting that the party’s rebuilding efforts remain on course.
“There is absolutely no cause for alarm. The rebirth movement is steadily on course,” Turaki added.
The PDP has been embroiled in a prolonged leadership and convention-related legal crisis, with multiple court rulings shaping an ongoing power struggle over the control of the party’s national structure.
