Politics

PDP Crisis Deepens as Turaki Faction Seeks Judge’s Recusal Over Alleged Bias

Published

2 months ago

December 6, 2025

PDP Crisis Deepens as Turaki Faction Seeks Judge’s Recusal Over Alleged Bias

The faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) loyal to Kabiru Turaki has filed a motion requesting Justice Joyce Abdulmalik to withdraw from presiding over a major lawsuit challenging the party’s leadership. The application, led by senior lawyer Chris Uche (SAN), argues that circumstances surrounding the handling of the suit have created a reasonable apprehension of bias.

The case originally stems from a suit filed by a rival PDP bloc aligned with FCT Minister Nyesom Wike and led by acting National Chairman Mohammed Abdulrahman.

In the motion, the Turaki group is seeking two orders:

For Justice Abdulmalik to recuse herself due to perceived lack of impartiality; and
For the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court to reassign the matter to another judge.

Uche cited Section 36(1) of the 1999 Constitution, which guarantees the right to a fair hearing, asserting that his clients fear they may not receive an unbiased trial. He recalled that the 5th to 25th defendants previously petitioned Chief Judge John Tsoho, asking that no PDP-related dispute be assigned to Justice Abdulmalik or two other judges due to “past antecedents and perceived partisanship.”

Despite this, the suit filed on November 21, 2025, was assigned to Justice Abdulmalik and, by November 25, resulted in an ex parte order that Uche described as “curious” and similar to orders previously issued by Justice James Omotosho in related PDP matters. He argued that although some prayers were declined on record, the judge “granted even more far-reaching orders,” raising concerns about fairness.

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Uche insisted that judicial proceedings “must not only be fair but must manifestly appear to be fair,” noting that reassigning the case would safeguard public confidence in the process.

Meanwhile, the rival PDP faction is seeking injunctions preventing the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from recognising any address for the party other than the one currently on its records. They are also asking the court to stop the Turaki-led group from presenting itself as the authentic representatives of the PDP.

The plaintiffs further want the court to compel INEC, the Inspector-General of Police, the FCT Police Command, and the DSS to enforce earlier judgments delivered by Justices James Omotosho and Peter Lifu on PDP disputes.

During Friday’s hearing, Onyechi Ikpeazu (SAN) appeared for the plaintiffs, Chris Uche (SAN) for the 5th to 25th defendants, and Mimi Ayua represented the police. With parties confirming that all processes had not been received, Justice Abdulmalik adjourned the matter to January 14, 2026.

Later that day, a second suit filed by the Turaki-led PDP group came up. Terkaa Aondo (SAN) represented the plaintiffs, while Ken Njemanze (SAN)—appearing for those seeking to be joined, including Mohammed Abdulrahman, Sen. Samuel Anyanwu, and Sen. Mao Ohuabunwa—noted that he had not been served. The judge fixed January 16 for hearing pending applications.

In the second suit, the plaintiffs—PDP, National Chairman Kabiru Turaki, and National Secretary Taofeek Arapaja—are asking the court to order security operatives to vacate the party’s Wadata Plaza headquarters in Abuja.

PDP Crisis Deepens as Turaki Faction Seeks Judge’s Recusal Over Alleged Bias

Related Topics:bias Featured PDP Crisis Turaki

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Politics

Tension Grows in ADC as Obi, Atiku Supporters Clash Over 2027 Presidential Ticket

Published

2 hours ago

January 21, 2026

Trends Admin

Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi

Tension Grows in ADC as Obi, Atiku Supporters Clash Over 2027 Presidential Ticket

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) is experiencing rising internal tension as supporters of former Labour Party candidate Peter Obi and former Vice‑President Atiku Abubakar clash over the party’s 2027 presidential ticket, raising concerns about unity within the opposition ahead of the general elections.

The friction stems from competing ambitions, with both Obi and Atiku positioning themselves to lead the ADC into the 2027 Nigerian elections. Atiku, who resigned from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and Obi, who left the Labour Party, have strengthened the ADC’s profile, making it a key opposition platform.

Obi’s supporters, often called the Obidient Movement, fear that Atiku’s extensive political network could overshadow Obi’s bid for the ticket. Atiku, meanwhile, has urged both camps to avoid internal divisions, warning that infighting could advantage the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

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Political analysts note that Obi could only emerge as the party’s flagbearer if Atiku voluntarily steps aside, a move his supporters are unlikely to accept. Former presidential adviser Hakeem Baba‑Ahmed has cautioned that the party risks defections and internal weakening if the dispute is not resolved quickly.

Other prominent figures, such as Rotimi Amaechi, are also being considered for the presidential ticket, adding to the ADC’s internal complexities. Grassroots members have expressed concern that the factionalism could distract the party from addressing critical national issues such as unemployment, insecurity, and economic recovery.

Observers say the ADC’s handling of this internal struggle will be crucial in determining whether it can present a united front and remain a credible alternative to the APC in the 2027 elections.

Tension Grows in ADC as Obi, Atiku Supporters Clash Over 2027 Presidential Ticket

Politics

PDP Clears Goodluck Jonathan, Southern Aspirants for 2027 Presidential Race

Published

2 hours ago

January 21, 2026

Trends Admin

Former President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan

PDP Clears Goodluck Jonathan, Southern Aspirants for 2027 Presidential Race

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has officially cleared former President Goodluck Jonathan and other southern Nigerian politicians to contest the party’s 2027 presidential ticket, signalling the start of what could be a highly competitive and high-profile primary race.

PDP National Chairman Kabiru Tanimu Turaki emphasized that the presidential primaries will be open, fair, and transparent, allowing all eligible southern aspirants to participate. The clarification comes amid speculation over whether Jonathan, who previously served two terms as president, would re-enter the national political scene.

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Prominent party leaders, including Professor Jerry Gana, have publicly welcomed Jonathan’s potential bid, stating that he remains eligible and could strengthen the PDP’s chances in the 2027 elections. However, some analysts and legal experts have raised questions about constitutional interpretations regarding a former two-term president, though no legal barrier has formally blocked him from contesting.

The PDP’s announcement also follows the exit of former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, who resigned over internal party differences and is now associated with the Alliance Democratic Congress (ADC). Meanwhile, speculation continues about other key figures, including Peter Obi, potentially returning to the PDP fold to contest the ticket.

Political commentators suggest the PDP faces the challenge of balancing zoning policies, internal party ambitions, and legal considerations while positioning itself against the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 general election.

With party consultations and primaries ahead, all eyes are on how the PDP will navigate internal politics and legal interpretations to emerge united and competitive in next year’s presidential race in Nigeria.

PDP Clears Goodluck Jonathan, Southern Aspirants for 2027 Presidential Race

Politics

ADC, Obidient Movement Unite with Ex‑APC Leader to Challenge APC in 2027

Published

1 day ago

January 20, 2026

Trends Admin

ADC, Obidient Movement Unite with Ex‑APC Leader to Challenge APC in 2027

In a major political development ahead of the 2027 general elections, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has formally joined forces with the Obidient Movement and former APC National Chairman, Chief John Odigie‑Oyegun, to strengthen opposition efforts against the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). The alliance was announced during a high-profile event in Benin City, Edo State, where leaders of the Obidient Movement officially merged with the ADC, committing to joint mobilisation and grassroots engagement.

Chief Odigie‑Oyegun described the coalition as a timely strategy to consolidate opposition forces and address public dissatisfaction with APC governance. The Obidient Movement — the youth-led network that supported Peter Obi in 2023 — pledged to leverage its national structure to expand ADC’s reach across Edo State and other key regions.

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Political analysts note that the coalition marks a significant opposition realignment in Nigeria, bringing together figures from different parties, including former Labour Party (LP) and APC members, under a single platform aimed at unseating the ruling party in 2027. The coalition has already attracted prominent figures like Peter Obi and Atiku Abubakar, positioning the ADC as a credible vehicle for national political influence.

Despite growing momentum, observers caution that internal leadership disputes and competing presidential ambitions within the coalition could pose challenges ahead of the elections. Nonetheless, the alliance signals a concerted effort to reshape Nigeria’s political landscape and present a formidable challenge to APC dominance.