The faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) led by Mr. Kabiru Turaki has announced plans to appeal the judgment delivered on Friday by the Federal High Court sitting in Ibadan, Oyo State.
The court had declined to grant an order of mandamus sought by the faction, holding that such an order would amount to “sitting on appeal” over decisions of courts of coordinate jurisdiction.
Reacting to the ruling, the Turaki-led faction described the decision as “not unexpected” and confirmed that it had instructed its legal team to immediately file an appeal.
In a statement posted on Friday on the X account of the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Mr. Ini Ememobong, the faction said it would pursue all lawful steps to protect its position in the leadership dispute rocking the opposition party.
Despite the setback, the faction insisted that the Kabiru Turaki–led PDP, which emerged from the party’s national convention held in Ibadan, remains legally intact and unaffected by the judgment.
The party said it was awaiting the final pronouncements of the appellate courts, expressing confidence that its position would ultimately be upheld.
“We therefore urge our members to remain resolute and committed, as there is absolutely no cause for alarm. The rebirth movement remains firmly on course,” the statement said.
The latest development comes amid protracted leadership and recognition battles within the PDP, with rival factions locked in multiple legal contests as each seeks judicial validation of its legitimacy.
The leadership crisis within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) escalated following the party’s national convention held in Ibadan, Oyo State, in November 2025, where Mr. Kabiru Turaki, SAN, emerged as national chairman amid controversy.
The convention was attended by delegates from across the country but was marred by sharp disagreements over zoning arrangements, accreditation processes and allegations of procedural irregularities.
The exercise was further complicated by conflicting court orders issued by courts of coordinate jurisdiction. While an Oyo State High Court granted an interim order permitting the convention to proceed, a Federal High Court in Abuja had earlier restrained the party from holding the exercise, following suits filed by aggrieved party members who argued that the convention violated provisions of the PDP constitution and relevant electoral laws.
Since then, rival factions within the PDP have engaged in multiple legal battles over leadership recognition, with each side seeking judicial affirmation of its legitimacy.
The disputes have deepened internal divisions within the opposition party and raised concerns over its cohesion and readiness ahead of future electoral contests.
