The Court of Appeal, Abuja Division has adjourned indefinitely its judgment on nine appeals concerning the national convention of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).
The decision by a three-member panel of justices came on Thursday after lawyers for both factions adopted and argued their briefs for and against the appeals.
Factions Clash Over PDP National Executive
The appeals pit the faction of Seyi Makinde, which organized the November 15–16 convention producing the Tanumi Turaki-led national executive, against the faction aligned with Nyesom Wike, operating through a caretaker committee led by Abdulrahman Muhammad.
The disputes challenge three separate Federal High Court and Ibadan High Court decisions for and against the convention. The tenure of the previous Ambassador Iliya Damagum-led national executive ended on December 9, 2025.
Legal Arguments Presented to the Court
Counsel to the appellants, Chief Chris Uche, SAN, argued that Justice James Omotosho acted outside jurisdiction when restraining the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from recognizing the convention outcome. He urged the appellate court to dismiss preliminary objections and set aside the Federal High Court ruling.
Conversely, counsel for several respondents, including Joseph Daudu, SAN, maintained that the internal affairs of a political party are beyond the jurisdiction of the Federal High Court in Abuja and urged dismissal of the appeal. Other respondents echoed calls for dismissal, describing the appeals as lacking merit and academic in nature.
Conflicting High Court Rulings
The nine appeals stem from conflicting rulings at two Federal High Court divisions in Abuja and a High Court in Ibadan, Oyo State:
- Federal High Court, Abuja: Justices James Omotosho and Peter Lifu issued conflicting injunctions, restraining the PDP from proceeding with the convention due to procedural noncompliance and the exclusion of aspirant Sule Lamido.
- High Court, Ibadan: Justice A. L. Akintola granted ex parte relief, ordering INEC to monitor, supervise, and recognize the convention outcome, effectively allowing the election of new national officers.
These contradictory rulings have fueled legal uncertainty and deepened factional divisions within the PDP.
Next Steps
The Court of Appeal panel adjourned the appeals sine die, leaving the fate of the November convention unresolved.
The adjournment maintains the status quo within the party and delays final determination of which faction holds legitimate authority over PDP’s national executive.
This indefinite suspension is expected to influence internal party dynamics, electoral preparations, and the role of INEC in supervising the conduct of party conventions, highlighting ongoing challenges in party governance, judicial intervention, political factionalism, internal party democracy, electoral oversight, rule compliance, leadership legitimacy, intra-party litigation, and party cohesion.
The outcome of the appellate process will be crucial for resolving the leadership dispute and guiding the PDP ahead of upcoming national elections.
