The Court of Appeal in Abuja on Monday affirmed a Federal High Court judgment that restrained the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) from recognising the national convention held in Ibadan on November 15–16, 2025 and barred the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from giving effect to outcomes of that convention.
A three‑member panel of the appellate court dismissed an appeal by the PDP that challenged the jurisdiction of the Federal High Court in the original suit. In upholding the lower court’s orders, the appellate court also affirmed reliefs in the suit that resulted in the removal of certain party officials described by the plaintiffs as loyalists of Turaki and Makinde.
The judgment means that INEC is currently prohibited from recognising officers, delegates or decisions arising from the Ibadan gathering until the matter is finally determined by the courts. The ruling further deepens the internal dispute within the PDP over control of the party structure and the legitimacy of its leadership team constituted at the Ibadan convention.
The case was brought by party members and factions who argued that the Ibadan convention was irregular and that key processes and delegate lists were compromised. The Federal High Court had earlier issued injunctive orders preventing the PDP and INEC from giving effect to the convention’s outcomes; the Court of Appeal’s decision preserves those orders pending any further appeal.
There was no immediate comment from the PDP or INEC. It is expected that the party will consider an appeal to the Supreme Court.
Background: The Ibadan convention has been the subject of legal challenges since it was held late last year amid parallel congresses and factional disputes. The litigation has significant implications for candidate nominations, party administration and preparations ahead of the 2027 election cycle.
(Reporting by Bolanle Olabimtan. Additional reporting may follow as parties react.)
