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According to a report by Vanguard Newspaper on Thursday, April 30, 2026, the Supreme Court of Nigeria has invalidated the national convention organized by the Tanimu Turaki-led faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), delivering a decisive judgment that reshapes the party’s internal leadership structure.
In its final ruling delivered in Abuja, the apex court nullified the convention held in Ibadan, Oyo State, on November 15 and 16, 2025. The exercise had produced a parallel National Executive Committee, intensifying an already deep leadership crisis within the party.
The controversy surrounding the Ibadan convention originated from its conduct despite multiple subsisting court orders prohibiting the gathering. A Federal High Court had earlier restrained the PDP from proceeding, citing significant breaches of the party’s constitution. The court also raised concerns over the exclusion of critical aspirants and unresolved disputes stemming from several state congresses, which rendered the convention premature and legally questionable.
Notwithstanding these judicial directives, the Turaki-led faction proceeded with the event, prompting a series of legal challenges. The Court of Appeal subsequently ruled against the faction, emphasizing that no political party is above the law or permitted to disregard valid court orders.
Unconvinced by the appellate court’s decision, the faction escalated the matter to the Supreme Court, seeking recognition of its leadership and validation of the convention’s outcomes. However, the Supreme Court upheld the earlier judgments, reinforcing the principle of judicial authority and compliance.
In its ruling, the court clearly stated that “any exercise conducted in defiance of a subsisting court order is a nullity.” This pronouncement effectively dissolved the factional leadership that emerged from the disputed convention.
The judgment brings closure to a prolonged internal dispute that has threatened the PDP’s cohesion. With the 2027 general elections approaching, the party now faces the urgent task of reconciling its factions and establishing a unified leadership framework.
The ruling is expected to significantly influence the PDP’s organizational stability and its readiness to present credible candidates in future electoral contests.
