The Court of Appeal sitting in Abuja has upheld an earlier judgment nullifying the controversial national convention of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) held in Ibadan, effectively restoring the party’s former leadership structure led by acting National Chairman Umar Iliya Damagun.
Delivering judgment on Monday, a three-member panel of the appellate court affirmed the decision of the Federal High Court which restrained the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from recognising the outcome of the PDP national convention held on November 15 and 16, 2025, in Ibadan, Oyo State.
The convention had produced a new set of national officers led by Tanimu Turaki, but its legitimacy was challenged by some party members who argued that the exercise violated constitutional and statutory provisions guiding party conventions.
In the lead judgment delivered by Justice Uchechukwu Onyemenam, the appellate court held that the PDP failed to comply with key legal requirements before conducting the convention. The court noted that proper notice of the convention was not served on INEC and that valid congresses were not conducted in several states as required by law.
According to the court, strict adherence to the provisions of the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria, the Electoral Act 2022, and the party’s internal guidelines is essential for the legitimacy of party conventions and internal democratic processes.
By upholding the earlier ruling of the Federal High Court, the appellate court effectively invalidated the leadership that emerged from the Ibadan convention and reaffirmed the existing National Working Committee led by Damagun as the recognised leadership of the party pending further lawful processes.
The judgment marks a significant turning point in the prolonged leadership crisis within the PDP, which has seen rival factions battle for control of the party ahead of the 2027 general elections. Observers believe the ruling may reshape internal alignments and influence the party’s strategy moving forward.
Party stakeholders are expected to meet in the coming days to study the judgment and determine the next steps toward stabilising the party and resolving the lingering leadership dispute.
