The leadership crisis within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has taken a fresh turn as the faction led by Tanimu Turaki moves to challenge a recent Court of Appeal judgment at the Supreme Court, just days before the party’s scheduled national convention.
The decision was reached during an emergency meeting of the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC), convened in Abuja and attended by key stakeholders, including members of the Board of Trustees led by Adolphus Wabara. The meeting, held at the Bauchi State Governor’s Lodge, is one of several high-level discussions held this week as internal tensions continue to shape the party’s direction.
At the centre of the dispute is the Court of Appeal ruling delivered on March 9, 2026, which upheld an earlier Federal High Court judgment nullifying the PDP’s Ibadan convention. The court ruled that the party acted in violation of an existing court order by proceeding with the convention without allowing former Jigawa State Governor, Sule Lamido, to participate as a chairmanship aspirant.
In its judgment, the appellate court described the party’s action as contemptuous, stressing that no party has the right to choose which court orders to obey. It further noted that the PDP should have either complied with the order or properly challenged it before going ahead with the convention. The court subsequently dismissed the party’s appeal and imposed a financial penalty.
Despite this setback, the Turaki-led leadership has resolved to escalate the matter to the Supreme Court, insisting that all legal avenues must be explored. Speaking at the meeting, Turaki reassured members that efforts are ongoing to stabilize the party and ensure its readiness for future elections, particularly the 2027 general polls. He also hinted at ongoing reconciliation talks, expressing optimism that a resolution may still be reached.
Meanwhile, a parallel caretaker committee led by Abdulrahman Mohammed is proceeding with plans to hold a national convention scheduled for March 29 and 30, 2026. The committee, which reportedly has backing from the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has maintained its position, stating that the convention must go ahead as planned.
The situation highlights deepening divisions within the PDP, with both factions expressing willingness for reconciliation but standing firm on key decisions. Prominent party figures, including Babangida Aliyu, Ibrahim Shekarau, and Jerry Gana, were present at the emergency meeting, underscoring the significance of the ongoing discussions.
As the convention date approaches, all eyes remain on the PDP leadership and the courts, as the party navigates legal battles and internal disagreements that could shape its future ahead of the next general elections.
