Introduction to the Court Ruling
A Federal High Court sitting in Ibadan, on Friday, nullified the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) National Convention held in the city between Nov. 15 and Nov. 16, 2025.
Background of the Case
Justice Uche Agomoh also held that the Caretaker Committee led by Mohammed Abdulrahman and Sen. Samuel Anyanwu remained the only recognised National Working Committee (NWC) of the PDP, pending the conduct of a valid national convention. It would be recalled that the Kabiru Turaki faction of the PDP had filed the suit No. FHC/IB/CS/121/2025, seeking recognition of the convention held in Ibadan on Nov. 15, 2025, and validation of the NWC that emerged at the convention.
Court Decision
Agomoh also barred Turaki and other officials purportedly elected at the convention from parading themselves as national officers of the party forthwith. The court held that the convention was conducted in flagrant disobedience to two subsisting judgments of the same court. It said that returning to seek judicial approval for actions taken in defiance of court orders was an exercise in futility. Consequently, all decisions taken at the convention were set aside by the court.
Implications of the Judgment
The judge further declared that the PDP could only operate through the caretaker committee until a proper and lawful national convention was held. Reacting to the judgment, counsel to the PDP Caretaker Committee, Chief Ferdinand Oshioke Orbih, described the ruling as a boost for Nigeria’s democracy. Orbih, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), said that the claimants had sought judicial endorsement of what he described as an illegal convention, but the court firmly rejected the move.
Analysis of the Crisis
The judgment follows a protracted crisis within the PDP, which held a contentious national elective convention in Ibadan in November 2025 despite existing court orders. Earlier, Justice Peter Life of a Federal High Court in Abuja had ordered the suspension of the PDP convention in a suit filed by former Jigawa State Governor, Sule Lamido. Lamido had challenged the process, alleging that he was denied the opportunity to purchase a nomination form to contest for the party’s chairmanship, in violation of the PDP constitution and guidelines.
Conclusion
The court’s decision has significant implications for the PDP and its members, emphasizing the importance of adhering to the rule of law and respecting court orders. The ruling also highlights the need for the party to conduct a lawful national convention to elect its national officers.
FAQs
- Q: What was the outcome of the court case regarding the PDP National Convention?
A: The court nullified the PDP National Convention held in Ibadan between Nov. 15 and Nov. 16, 2025. - Q: Who is recognized as the legitimate National Working Committee (NWC) of the PDP?
A: The Caretaker Committee led by Mohammed Abdulrahman and Sen. Samuel Anyanwu is recognized as the legitimate NWC. - Q: What was the reason for the court’s decision to nullify the convention?
A: The convention was conducted in disobedience to two subsisting judgments of the same court. - Q: Can the PDP operate independently of the caretaker committee?
A: No, the PDP can only operate through the caretaker committee until a proper and lawful national convention is held.
