By Our Correspondent
Supporters of two rival factions in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) are awaiting a crucial judgment from the Court of Appeal of Nigeria today, as the long-running leadership crisis within Nigeria’s main opposition party reaches a decisive moment.
Camps aligned with Seyi Makinde, governor of Oyo State, and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, have both expressed confidence that the court ruling will favour their respective positions.
The dispute centres on competing claims to the party’s national leadership following the controversial November 15 PDP convention in Ibadan.
The convention produced a National Working Committee led by former minister Tanimu Turaki, with the backing of several PDP governors including Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State.
However, a rival bloc loyal to Wike later constituted a 13-member caretaker committee headed by Mohammed Abdulrahman as acting national chairman and Samuel Anyanwu as acting national secretary.
The conflict escalated after attempts by both factions to hold meetings at the party’s national secretariat at Wadata Plaza in Abuja ended in chaos in November 2025.
Following the confrontation, the Nigeria Police Force sealed the premises, further deepening the PDP leadership crisis.
Several lawsuits were subsequently filed challenging the legality of the convention and the authority of both factions.
One of the key cases sought to halt the convention for failing to comply with provisions of the Nigerian Constitution, the Electoral Act, and the PDP constitution.
Another legal action also restrained the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from supervising or recognising any convention that excluded certain aspirants.
Both sides insist legal precedents support their claims.
Spokespersons for the Wike-aligned faction argue that violations of party rules and electoral laws invalidate the convention, while the Turaki-led National Working Committee maintains that the process followed due democratic procedures.
Meanwhile, the PDP Governors’ Forum has urged party members nationwide to remain calm and respect the judicial process as the court delivers its ruling.
Political observers say the judgment could significantly influence the party’s preparations for the 2027 general elections and determine which leadership structure will organise primaries and nominate candidates.
With party primaries expected to begin later in 2026, today’s ruling is widely seen as a defining moment that could either restore unity within the PDP or deepen the internal power struggle shaping Nigeria’s opposition politics.
