The Abuja Division of the Court of Appeal of Nigeria has reserved judgment in nine appeals arising from the leadership crisis within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) over its November 15–16, 2025 national convention held in Ibadan, Oyo State.
The convention produced Tanimu Turaki (SAN) as National Chairman alongside other members of the party’s National Working Committee.
A three-member panel of the appellate court fixed judgment for a later date to be communicated to all parties after adopting their written briefs.
Nine Appeals Challenge Federal High Court Rulings
One of the key appeals, marked CA/ABJ/CV/1613/2025, lists the PDP, its National Working Committee (NWC), and National Executive Committee (NEC) as appellants. The respondents include the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Austin Nwachukwu, Amah Abraham Nnanna, Turnah George, Samuel Anyanwu, Umar Damagum, Ali Odefa, and Emmanuel Ogidi.
Counsel for the appellants, Chief Chris Uche (SAN), argued that the October 31, 2025 judgment delivered by Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court was made without jurisdiction.
He urged the appellate court to:
Dismiss the preliminary objections filed by the respondents
Allow the appeal
Set aside the judgment and restraining orders issued by the trial court
However, counsel to the first to third respondents, Joseph Daudu (SAN), insisted that issues surrounding the leadership of a political party are internal matters beyond the jurisdiction of the Federal High Court. He urged the court to uphold the preliminary objections and dismiss the appeal.
Other respondents described the appeal as lacking merit and an academic exercise.
Background: Why the PDP Convention Was Halted
The appeals stem from three separate judgments delivered by Justices James Omotosho, Peter Lifu, and Joyce Abdulmalik of the Federal High Court, Abuja.
Justice Omotosho’s October 30 Ruling
In a landmark decision, Justice Omotosho restrained the PDP from conducting its 2025 national convention until it complied with statutory provisions under the party’s constitution and the Electoral Act.
The suit was filed by:
Austin Nwachukwu (Imo PDP Chairman)
Amah Abraham Nnanna (Abia PDP Chairman)
Turnah Alabh George (PDP South-South Secretary)
They alleged violations of electoral laws and internal regulations.
The court ruled that:
INEC is responsible for ensuring political parties comply with the Constitution and Electoral Act
The PDP failed to issue the mandatory 21-day notice to INEC
Notices signed solely by the national chairman without the national secretary were null and void
Congresses were not properly conducted in some states
Justice Omotosho further held that non-compliance with INEC regulations is not merely an internal party affair, emphasizing that subsidiary legislation issued by INEC carries the force of law.
He restrained INEC from:
Supervising the convention
Recognising its outcome
Publishing the results on its website
Justice Lifu Bars Convention Over Nomination Dispute
On November 11, 2025, Justice Peter Lifu also halted the PDP convention in a separate suit filed by former Jigawa State Governor Sule Lamido.
Lamido alleged that he was denied the opportunity to purchase a nomination form for the national chairmanship position.
Justice Lifu ruled that:
The PDP failed to comply with legal requirements, including proper publication of a timetable
The balance of convenience favoured the plaintiff
INEC must not supervise or recognise the outcome of the convention
What’s at Stake
At the centre of the dispute is the legitimacy of the PDP’s 2025 national convention and the emergence of Tanimu Turaki (SAN) as National Chairman.
The Appeal Court’s decision will determine:
Whether the Federal High Court had jurisdiction to halt the convention
Whether INEC can lawfully refuse to recognise the outcome
The future leadership structure of the PDP ahead of the 2027 general elections
All eyes are now on the Abuja Division of the Court of Appeal as political stakeholders await a final ruling that could significantly reshape Nigeria’s main opposition party.
