The Supreme Court of Nigeria has ordered an accelerated hearing of an appeal challenging the nullification of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) national convention held in Ibadan, Oyo State, on November 15 and 16, 2025.
A five-member panel led by Mohammed Lawal granted the request for an expedited hearing of the appeal marked SC/CV/166/2026.
The appeal was filed by the Taminu Turaki, SAN-led factional leadership that emerged from the disputed convention. The appellants, including the PDP, its National Working Committee (NWC), and National Executive Committee (NEC), approached the court through their legal team led by Chris Uche, SAN, seeking a departure from standard Supreme Court procedures to fast-track the case.
Uche argued that the matter required urgent determination “in the interest of justice,” noting that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had fixed April 23 as the deadline for political parties to submit candidates for upcoming elections.
He further told the court that the appellants filed an affidavit of extreme urgency, supported by a 23-paragraph document outlining the need for swift resolution.
Meanwhile, Emmanuel Ukala, SAN, representing the faction aligned with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, did not oppose the request but asked for 15 days to respond. However, INEC and other respondents requested 10 days.
In its ruling, the Supreme Court granted the application for accelerated hearing, ordering all respondents to file their briefs within five days, while the appellants are to reply upon receiving those submissions.
The court directed that all processes must be filed and exchanged before April 21 and fixed April 22 for the substantive hearing of the appeal.
The dispute stems from a March 9 judgment of the Court of Appeal of Nigeria, which upheld earlier rulings nullifying the Ibadan convention. The appellate court held that the exercise lacked legal backing, having violated prior judgments of the Federal High Court delivered in October and November 2025.
The court found that the PDP failed to meet statutory requirements, including conducting valid state congresses in several states and issuing proper notices in line with the Electoral Act and the 1999 Constitution (as amended).
The appellate panel, led by Mohammed Danjuma, dismissed the appeal filed by the faction aligned with Governors Seyi Makinde and Bala Mohammed, affirming the lower court’s decision.
Justice Uchechukwu Onyemenam, who delivered the lead judgment, ruled that the matter was not merely an internal party issue but involved compliance with statutory provisions.
The original suit was filed by aggrieved PDP members, including Austin Nwachukwu, Amah Abraham Nnanna, and Turnah Alabh George, who challenged the legality of the convention.
The court held that the PDP’s failure to conduct proper congresses and follow due process invalidated the convention and restrained INEC from recognising its outcome.
Despite the ruling, conflicting legal decisions and factional disputes have deepened the party’s crisis, with a rival convention already held in Abuja by the Wike-aligned group.
The Supreme Court’s forthcoming decision is expected to play a decisive role in determining the legitimacy of the PDP leadership and shaping the party’s direction ahead of future elections.
What you should know
The Supreme Court’s decision to fast-track the PDP convention dispute highlights the urgency tied to electoral timelines, especially with INEC’s candidate submission deadline approaching.
The case revolves around whether the Ibadan convention complied with legal and constitutional requirements. With multiple court rulings and rival factions already conducting separate conventions, the PDP faces a deep internal crisis.
The apex court’s final judgment could determine which faction is legally recognised, significantly impacting the party’s unity, structure, and chances in upcoming elections.
