The Court of Appeal has dismissed an appeal by the Peoples Democratic Party challenging the October 31 ruling of Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court, which restrained the Independent National Electoral Commission from recognising the outcome of the PDP’s national convention scheduled for November 15 and 16 in Ibadan.
In a unanimous decision, a three-member panel of the appellate court ruled against the PDP on all four issues presented in the appeal, holding that the trial court’s judgment was correct and granting all the reliefs sought by the plaintiffs.
The Court of Appeal rejected the PDP’s claim that the Federal High Court lacked jurisdiction, noting that the case did not solely concern the party’s internal affairs.
The court also affirmed that the plaintiffs had the locus standi, the legal right to file the suit to protect their democratic rights and found that the PDP was not denied a fair hearing, contrary to its assertions.
Additionally, the court ordered the PDP (Turaki group) to pay N2 million in costs for filing a frivolous appeal. Other judgments and rulings involving the party are scheduled to be heard separately.
Leaders from both factions of the PDP were present as the appellate court delivered its decision. Eyewitnesses saw the group led by Kabiru Tanimu Turaki and the faction led by Abdulrahman Mohammed in court.
Also present was Samuel Anyanwu, the National Secretary of the Mohammed-led national working committee, who was seen exchanging pleasantries with Turaki.
What you should know
The Court of Appeal’s ruling reinforces the authority of the Federal High Court in adjudicating disputes over party conventions and internal electoral processes.
By dismissing the PDP’s appeal, the court has upheld the plaintiffs’ rights to challenge party decisions that may affect democratic representation. The decision also signals that frivolous appeals challenging valid court judgments will attract financial penalties.
This judgment is a key moment in the ongoing leadership dispute within the PDP, as factions led by Turaki and Mohammed continue to assert their positions ahead of future party activities.
