The Court of Appeal in Abuja has upheld the decision of Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court, restraining the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) from holding its controversial National Convention in Ibadan on 15-16 November 2025.
In a unanimous judgment on Monday, a three-member panel led by Justice Mohammed Danjuma ruled that the PDP’s attempt to proceed with the convention violated the Nigerian Constitution, INEC guidelines on party primaries, and the PDP constitution.
“The action of the PDP to go ahead with the National Convention was in clear breach of the law and party regulations,” the court observed, aligning with Justice Omotosho’s 31 October 2025 ruling.
The Appeal Court emphasised that the rights of delegates from over 14 states, whose party congresses had not yet been held, must be protected. It also criticised the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for failing in its statutory duty to monitor political party primaries.
A two million Naira fine has been imposed on the Tanimu Turaki-led faction of the PDP.
On the claim that the matter is purely an intra-party issue, the court held that “non-compliance with the Nigerian Constitution, the Electoral Act, or a political party constitution gives the court power to assume jurisdiction.”
This judgment marks the first of nine appeals scheduled for the Appeal Court panel on Monday. The appeals stem from the PDP’s internal leadership crisis, challenging two Federal High Court decisions that halted the Ibadan convention and recognised a caretaker leadership led by Abdulrahman Mohammed, aligned with FCT Minister Nyesom Wike.
Erizia Rubyjeana
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