Turaki‑Led PDP Rejects Court of Appeal Ruling, Heads to Supreme Court

The Turaki‑led faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has rejected a recent Court of Appeal ruling that nullified the party’s national convention held on November 15–16, 2025, in Ibadan, Oyo State, and announced plans to escalate the matter to the Supreme Court of Nigeria.

The party’s National Working Committee (NWC), led by Kabiru Turaki, said in a statement that the appellate court judgment, which barred the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from recognising the results of the Ibadan convention, would impose “untold hardship” on party members if implemented. In the statement, the PDP spokesperson for the Turaki faction, Mr. Ini Ememobong, confirmed that lawyers had been instructed to immediately file an appeal at the Supreme Court to seek a definitive ruling. “We are confident that the apex court will swiftly resolve the dispute in the interest of democracy,” Ememobong said, urging party members to remain united during the legal proceedings.

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The Court of Appeal in Abuja upheld a Federal High Court decision which held that the Ibadan convention, which produced Turaki and other national officers, did not comply with constitutional and statutory requirements, including proper conduct of congresses in at least 14 states and valid notice to INEC. The court also rejected the Turaki faction’s claim that the matter was purely internal and awarded ₦2 million in costs against the appellants. The ruling has deepened a long-standing leadership dispute within the PDP, which has seen rival factions contest control of the party’s organisational structure and decision-making processes. Legal analysts note that the case raises important questions about intra-party democracy, constitutional compliance, and the judiciary’s role in political disputes.

Observers say the escalation to the Supreme Court comes at a sensitive time for the PDP, as the party prepares for the 2027 general elections. While the Turaki faction asserts that the appeal seeks to protect party members and maintain order, opponents argue that the ongoing legal battle risks undermining organisational cohesion and may affect the PDP’s electoral readiness. Analysts suggest that the Supreme Court’s final determination could set a legal precedent for how internal party disputes are resolved under Nigerian law, particularly concerning the interpretation of party constitutions and the conduct of national conventions.

The Turaki-led faction reiterated its call for members to remain calm and united, assuring that the legal process would soon provide clarity and resolution. The statement emphasized the need to rescue the PDP from elements “masquerading as opposition leaders”, highlighting the faction’s commitment to restoring proper leadership and protecting the party’s democratic structures.

Turaki‑Led PDP Rejects Court of Appeal Ruling, Heads to Supreme Court

BREAKING: Zamfara Governor Dauda Lawal Defects from PDP to APC

Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State has officially defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), marking a significant shift in the state’s political landscape.

The announcement was made in a statement issued by the Zamfara State Government after extensive consultations with political stakeholders, elders, party leaders, and supporters across the state.

According to the statement, the governor’s decision was largely influenced by the ongoing internal crisis within the PDP, including leadership disagreements and unresolved structural challenges at both the national and state levels.

Officials said the persistent disputes within the opposition party had created uncertainty capable of distracting from governance and slowing development efforts in Zamfara State.

Governor Lawal explained that his priority remains the peace, security, and development of Zamfara, stressing that aligning with a political platform that ensures greater unity and stronger collaboration with the Federal Government became necessary.

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The government revealed that the final deliberation leading to the decision took place at the Government House in Gusau, where senior government officials and key political stakeholders met under the coordination of the deputy governor.

In the statement, the governor also expressed appreciation to members and supporters of the PDP for their support over the years.

However, he noted that current political realities and the unresolved crisis within the party made it necessary for him to take what he described as a bold step in the interest of good governance and the future of Zamfara State.

By joining the APC, the governor reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening unity, improving security, accelerating development, and ensuring Zamfara State benefits from stronger federal collaboration.

The state government also called on citizens, political leaders, and party supporters to remain calm and supportive as Zamfara enters a new political phase aimed at promoting unity, stability, and development.

The statement announcing the defection was signed by Nuhu Salihu Anka, Director General of Media and Communication in the Office of the Governor.

BREAKING: Zamfara Governor Dauda Lawal Defects from PDP to APC

Appeal Court Dismisses Turaki-Led PDP Faction, Bars INEC from Recognising Ibadan Convention

The Court of Appeal in Abuja has dismissed the appeal filed by the Kabiru Tanimu Turaki‑led faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), upholding a Federal High Court ruling that bars the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from recognising the party’s disputed Ibadan National Convention.

A three‑member panel of the appellate court delivered a unanimous judgment on nine harmonised appeals, rejecting arguments that the Federal High Court lacked jurisdiction to hear the case. The court emphasized that alleged violations of both the PDP constitution and the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria cannot be treated as internal party matters. The court also awarded N2 million in costs against the Turaki faction, describing the appeal as lacking merit. Analysts note that the decision deepens the leadership crisis within the PDP and may influence upcoming party elections and candidate selection processes.

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The legal battle arose from the PDP’s November 15–16, 2025, National Convention in Ibadan, Oyo State, where the Turaki faction sought to consolidate leadership. Rival factions challenged the convention, claiming violations of party rules and statutory requirements, leading to multiple court interventions. The dispute has been complicated by conflicting judgments from the Federal High Court in Abuja and the Oyo State High Court in Ibadan, with each court providing opposing rulings on the convention’s legality. The Court of Appeal’s latest ruling now reinforces the Abuja High Court judgment, effectively preventing INEC from validating the convention outcomes.

The ruling may push the Turaki faction to consider further legal action, possibly at the Supreme Court, but party observers warn that prolonged litigation could weaken PDP’s cohesion ahead of the 2027 general elections. Meanwhile, calls for conciliation and unity talks are growing louder among PDP stakeholders, with leaders urging dialogue to resolve internal disputes and maintain the party’s credibility.

Appeal Court Dismisses Turaki-Led PDP Faction, Bars INEC from Recognising Ibadan Convention