A senior figure in Nigeria’s Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has strongly criticized a Federal High Court ruling that nullified the party’s 2025 national convention and recognized a rival faction led by Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory.
Chief George, a PDP chieftain, described the conduct of the presiding judge, Justice Uche Agomoh, as inappropriate during an interview on Arise Television. He stated the judge “acted and talked as if she was in a beer parlour,” calling the judgement “unfortunate” and expressing personal disgust. He questioned the recognition of the Wike-backed faction, noting that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) monitored the November 15, 2025, convention in Ibadan, Oyo State, as per party procedure. He asked where and how the rival faction’s convention, if any, was monitored.
The court, sitting in Ibadan, nullified the PDP National Convention held on that date. In its ruling, Justice Agomoh barred the Tanimu Turaki-led National Working Committee (NWC) from parading itself as the party’s national leadership and explicitly recognized the faction supported by Wike.
Chief George announced the party’s intention to appeal the decision, arguing the judgement “deviated from the matter before the judge.” He reflected on the long history of the party, drawing parallels to past judicial figures, and urged members to focus on justice and the party’s legacy. He warned that historical accountability would judge those who “create mayhem.”
The ruling intensifies the internal crisis within the main opposition party, formally splitting its leadership between the Turaki and Wike factions. The appeal process is expected to prolong the legal and political uncertainty surrounding the PDP’s structure ahead of future elections. The decision highlights the significant role of the courts in resolving intraparty disputes in Nigeria.
