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

Hoodlums Disrupt Wike-Backed PDP Congress in Oyo, Injure Party Members

Violence erupted on Saturday as suspected hoodlums disrupted the local government congress of a faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) loyal to Nyesom Wike, leaving several party members injured and properties vandalised across Oyo State.

The attacks reportedly occurred at multiple congress venues, including Ibadan North, Ogbomoso North, Akinyele, and Ibarapa Central local government areas, where members of the Wike-backed PDP faction had gathered to conduct their internal party elections.

According to a member of the faction, Julius Adekunle, the hoodlums stormed several designated venues of the PDP local government congress in what he described as a coordinated assault. He said the attackers targeted many of the venues simultaneously, suggesting that the disruption was carefully planned.

Adekunle disclosed that at least 10 party members were attacked, while several vehicles and other properties belonging to participants were vandalised during the chaos. The violence forced many attendees to flee the venues for safety.

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One of the most notable incidents occurred in the Bodija area of Ibadan, where the residence of former Oyo State Deputy Governor, Chief Hazeem Gbolarunmi, was reportedly invaded by the hoodlums. Properties worth millions of naira were destroyed during the attack, including vehicles parked within the premises.

The chairman of the faction in the state, Abdulrahman Akinoso, confirmed the attacks and described the situation as chaotic. He said the violence disrupted the PDP congress in Oyo State and raised concerns about the safety of party members participating in the exercise.

Akinoso called on security agencies to investigate the incident and ensure those responsible for the attacks are arrested and prosecuted. He stressed the need for adequate security during political activities to prevent similar disruptions in the future.

The incident highlights the deepening crisis within the PDP in Oyo State, where rival factions linked to Nyesom Wike and Governor Seyi Makinde have been locked in a prolonged struggle for control of the party’s structure.

Political observers say the violence could further intensify tensions within the party as both factions continue to battle for dominance ahead of future political contests.

Despite the attacks, leaders of the Wike-aligned faction insisted they remain committed to strengthening their structure within the party and would not be intimidated by acts of violence.

Hoodlums Disrupt Wike-Backed PDP Congress in Oyo, Injure Party Members

Kano State House of Assembly Initiates Impeachment Proceedings Against Deputy Gov

The Kano State House of Assembly on Thursday, March 5, 2026, officially began impeachment proceedings against Deputy Governor Aminu Abdulsalam Gwarzo, citing gross misconduct, abuse of office, and breach of public trust. The move has escalated political tensions in Kano State amid ongoing disagreements between the deputy governor and state leadership.

During Thursday’s plenary, Majority Leader Lawan Hussaini Dala presented the impeachment notice, which was formally read by Speaker Ismail Falgore, in line with Section 188 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended). This provision empowers a state legislature to commence the removal of a deputy governor for impeachable offenses, including gross misconduct.

Allegations Against Abdulsalam

The impeachment notice alleges that Abdulsalam, during his tenure as Commissioner for Local Government Affairs (2023–2024) and subsequently as Deputy Governor, engaged in improper financial practices. Lawmakers claim he received ₦1.5 million per month from each of the state’s 44 local government councils between June 2023 and January 2024, totalling ₦462 million over seven months.

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Further, between February and July 2024, Abdulsalam allegedly received ₦3.255 million per council monthly for purported “special assignments,” amounting to an additional ₦726 million. The Assembly also accused him of facilitating the release of ₦10 million from each council — ₦440 million in total — to NovoMed Pharmaceuticals Limited, in violation of the Kano State Public Procurement Law and Fiscal Management regulations.

The lawmakers describe these actions as gross misconduct under Section 188(2) of the Constitution, representing a serious breach of ethical standards and public trust.

Process and Next Steps

A total of 38 members of the Kano State House of Assembly signed the impeachment notice, meeting constitutional requirements to trigger the process. Following the presentation, Speaker Falgore directed that the notice be formally served on Deputy Governor Abdulsalam, who now has 14 days to respond to the allegations.

If the deputy governor replies or if the motion proceeds, the Assembly may establish an investigative panel to scrutinize the claims before a potential vote on removal. Observers note that the process could significantly impact Kano’s political landscape, particularly in the context of recent party defections and internal disagreements within state leadership.

The impeachment initiative comes amid speculation about Abdulsalam’s political stance after he reportedly refused to defect alongside Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf from the NNPP to the APC, further straining relations within the state’s leadership.

As of now, Deputy Governor Abdulsalam has not publicly responded to the impeachment notice.

Kano State House of Assembly Initiates Impeachment Proceedings Against Deputy Gov