The Supreme Court has nullified the national convention held by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ibadan, Oyo State, on November 15 and 16, 2025, effectively voiding the emergence of the Tanimu Turaki, SAN-led factional national executive.
The apex court’s ruling brings to an end months of legal disputes surrounding the controversial convention, which had remained a major source of internal crisis within the opposition party.
The Ibadan convention had produced a factional leadership structure headed by Turaki, but the exercise was conducted amid subsisting court orders restraining the party from proceeding with the gathering.
Before the convention was held, a Federal High Court had barred the exercise, citing breaches of the PDP constitution and failure to comply with laid-down procedures.
The court also raised concerns over unresolved disputes stemming from state congresses and the exclusion of certain aspirants from participating in the process.
Despite the restraining order, the convention went ahead as scheduled, prompting aggrieved party members to intensify legal action.
The Court of Appeal later upheld the ruling of the lower court, affirming that the convention was conducted in defiance of valid judicial orders and declaring that any outcome from the exercise could not stand.
Dissatisfied with the concurrent judgments of both lower courts, the Turaki-led faction approached the Supreme Court, seeking to overturn the rulings and secure judicial recognition for the convention and the leadership it produced.
However, in its final decision, the Supreme Court dismissed the appeal and upheld the earlier judgments, declaring the convention invalid.
The ruling effectively strips the Turaki-led executives of legitimacy and reinforces the position that political parties must strictly adhere to both internal constitutional provisions and court directives in conducting party affairs.
The judgment is expected to have far-reaching implications for the PDP’s internal structure as the party continues efforts to reposition itself ahead of future electoral contests.
What You Should Know
The Supreme Court’s decision marks a major turning point in the PDP’s internal leadership crisis.
By voiding the Ibadan convention, the court has reaffirmed that political parties cannot disregard valid court orders or bypass constitutional procedures. The judgment not only invalidates the Turaki-led faction but also sends a strong message about the importance of due process in internal party democracy.
For the PDP, the ruling means another round of political realignment may be necessary as it seeks stability ahead of future elections.
It also highlights how unresolved internal disputes can weaken opposition parties at critical moments in Nigeria’s political landscape.
