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:

1. For Justice Abdulmalik to recuse herself due to perceived lack of impartiality; and
2. 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

Osogbo Youth Group Condemns APC Over Disqualification of Adegoke SAN

The Osogbo Progressive Youths Movement (OPYM) has issued a strongly worded statement criticizing the All Progressives Congress (APC) leadership over the disqualification of AbdulRasheed Adekunle Adegoke, SAN, from a recent party screening exercise.

In a press release signed by its convener, Comrade Jimoh Oyekola Ajayi, the group described the decision as a “political statement” aimed not only at the aspirant but at the entire Osogbo community. According to OPYM, the disqualification sends a message that despite the city’s long-standing loyalty and electoral contributions to the APC, its people are not considered worthy of leadership positions within the party.

Ajayi stated that Osogbo has consistently delivered votes and stood firmly with the APC “through every storm,” only to be sidelined at a critical moment when fairness was expected. He accused the party hierarchy of reinforcing a pattern of marginalization that has left Osogbo feeling “rejected and undervalued.”

The group also took a swipe at individuals within and outside the city who were said to be celebrating the disqualification. OPYM described such actions as betrayal, warning that “history has a long memory” and would not forget those who worked against the collective interest of Osogbo.

Despite the setback, OPYM maintained that the movement for equity and political inclusion remains unwavering. The organization emphasized that although it has accepted the screening outcome peacefully, it rejects what it sees as a broader attempt to reduce Osogbo’s political relevance in the state.

“We have not accepted that Osogbo must remain second-class in a state it has helped build with sweat, loyalty, and sacrifice,” the statement read.

The group reaffirmed its support for Adegoke SAN, praising him for his courage in bringing long-standing grievances to the fore. It also reiterated its commitment to advocating for fairness and justice within the political landscape.

“Osogbo will not fold its arms while others dictate our political destiny,” Ajayi declared.

The statement concluded with affirmations of solidarity for Adegoke, the people of Osogbo, and the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Osogbo Youth Group Condemns APC Over Disqualification of Adegoke SAN

BREAKING: Rivers Assembly Speaker, 15 Members Defect From PDP to APC

The political landscape in Rivers State shifted dramatically on Friday as sixteen members of the Rivers State House of Assembly, led by Speaker Martin Amaewhule, officially defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC). The mass defection marks a major escalation in the long-running political crisis rocking the state.

Speaking during plenary, Amaewhule announced his resignation from the PDP, attributing the move to what he described as a “clear division” within the party.
“Distinguished colleagues, very happily, let me announce that your Speaker has decided… to leave the PDP. APC is my new party,” he declared.

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Deputy Speaker Dumle Maol was among the 16 lawmakers who joined the APC, signalling a coordinated shift by legislators aligned with Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike. All defecting lawmakers are known loyalists of Wike, who was recently expelled from the PDP over alleged anti-party activities.

This latest move adds a new chapter to the state’s ongoing power tussle. The same group of lawmakers had previously announced a switch to the APC at the height of the crisis between Wike and Governor Siminalayi Fubara, before later denying it. The defection at that time triggered legal battles, including attempts to declare their seats vacant.

With the fresh alignment now formalized, the APC gains a significant foothold in the Rivers Assembly, potentially reshaping legislative authority and deepening the divide between the Wike and Fubara camps.

Political observers warn that the development could again ignite constitutional debates around defections under Section 109(1)(g) of the 1999 Constitution, especially in relation to whether genuine party division exists within the PDP.

As Rivers State enters yet another phase of political uncertainty, the implications for governance, legislative stability and party control remain far-reaching.

BREAKING: Rivers Assembly Speaker, 15 Members Defect From PDP to APC