Supreme Court Nullifies PDP Ibadan Convention, Turaki Faction

The Supreme Court has nullified the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) national convention that took place in Ibadan, Oyo State, on 15‑16 November 2025. The ruling declares the convention, which produced the Tanimu Turaki, SAN‑led factional national executives, legally invalid.

The Court’s decision follows a series of lawsuits that questioned the legitimacy of the Ibadan gathering. Plaintiffs argued that the convention violated the party’s constitution, that proper procedures for convening a national conference were not observed, and that the election of the new executives was marred by procedural irregularities. The legal battle escalated from lower courts to the apex court, which ultimately ruled that the convention lacked the statutory and constitutional basis required to endorse a new leadership structure.

According to the Supreme Court judgment, the PDP’s National Working Committee failed to call a properly constituted conference, and the venue and notice period did not comply with the party’s internal rules. Consequently, the Court ordered that the outcomes of the Ibadan convention, including the appointment of the Tanimu Turaki, SAN faction as the party’s national executives, be set aside.

The decision reinstates the pre‑convention leadership, which had been in place pending the resolution of the dispute. PDP officials indicated that they will convene a new, fully compliant national conference to address the leadership vacuum and to align with the party’s constitutional requirements. The party’s national secretary said the upcoming conference would be organized in accordance with the guidelines laid out by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the PDP’s own statutes.

The ruling carries significant implications for the PDP’s internal cohesion ahead of the upcoming general elections. By invalidating the Ibadan convention, the Court has halted a potential split within the party, preserving a unified structure that can coordinate campaign activities across the country. Party analysts note that a clear, legally recognized leadership is essential for effective mobilization of resources and for presenting a coherent policy platform to voters.

Legal experts observe that the case underscores the importance of adherence to internal party procedures in Nigeria’s democratic system. The Supreme Court’s intervention demonstrates the judiciary’s role in enforcing compliance with party constitutions, thereby safeguarding the integrity of political processes.

The PDP is expected to announce the schedule for a new national convention within the next few weeks. Stakeholders, including party members, electoral observers, and the broader public, will be watching closely to ensure that the forthcoming meeting adheres to procedural standards and contributes to the party’s stability ahead of the 2027 electoral cycle.