A Federal High Court sitting in Ibadan has nullified the national convention of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) held on November 15, 2025, in Ibadan, Oyo State, declaring it invalid and of no legal effect.
The court also restrained members of the National Working Committee (NWC) led by Mr. Tanimu Turaki, SAN, from parading themselves as national officers of the party.
In its ruling, the court recognised the Caretaker Committee headed by Mr. Mohammed Abdulrahman and Senator Samuel Anyanwu as the only legitimate interim leadership of the PDP, pending the conduct of a valid national convention in line with the party’s constitution and relevant laws.
Turaki had emerged as PDP National Chairman at the Ibadan convention, which was widely described as tense and controversial, amid disagreements over zoning arrangements, accreditation delays and allegations of last-minute manoeuvres by rival factions.
The convention attracted delegates from the 36 states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory, but was marred by sharp disputes among party blocs, leading to heightened security presence and brief disruptions before voting eventually commenced.
The legal battle over the convention stemmed from conflicting court orders issued by different courts. While an Oyo State High Court had earlier granted an interim injunction permitting the convention to hold, a Federal High Court in Abuja restrained the PDP from proceeding with the exercise.
The Abuja court order followed a suit filed by aggrieved party members, who argued that the convention violated provisions of the PDP constitution and applicable national laws.
Observers say the Ibadan court’s decision represents a major boost for the Abdulrahman-led Caretaker Committee, which will now continue to oversee the affairs of the opposition party until a fresh and valid national convention is conducted.
The Caretaker Committee is reportedly aligned with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Mr. Nyesom Wike.
