The Supreme Court of Nigeria on Thursday affirmed the nullification of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) national convention held in Ibadan, Oyo State, in November 2025. In a majority judgment of three to two, the apex court ruled that the exercise was conducted in "defiance of valid court orders."

The judgment, delivered by Justice Stephen Adah, upheld previous rulings from both the Federal High Court and the Court of Appeal. The five-member panel, led by Justice Mohammed Garba, determined that the PDP acted in contempt by proceeding with the convention despite subsisting judicial restraints.

Key Rulings and Findings

The legal dispute originated from the party’s decision to move forward with the convention despite multiple injunctions. The Supreme Court's decision centered on the following points:

• Disobedience of Court Orders: The court held that while political parties generally enjoy autonomy over internal affairs, that immunity does not extend to the violation of lawful court orders or due process.

• Exclusion of Candidates: The litigation was sparked by aggrieved members, including former Jigawa State Governor Sule Lamido, who challenged his exclusion from the chairmanship race. Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court had previously restrained the party from holding the event until Lamido was permitted to participate.

• Procedural Failures: The apex court also noted a separate judgment by Justice James Omotosho, which faulted the PDP for failing to conduct valid state congresses prior to the national gathering.

Implications for Party Leadership

The ruling effectively dissolves the factional leadership led by former Minister of Special Duties, Tanimu Turaki (SAN). The court affirmed that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is barred from recognizing any outcome or leadership produced by the Ibadan convention.

"The issue went beyond the internal affairs of the party because it involved disobedience to lawful court orders and violations of due process." — Excerpt from the Lead Judgment

Defense and Final Verdict

Counsel for the Turaki-led faction had argued that the dispute was a strictly internal matter, placing it outside the jurisdiction of the judiciary. However, the Supreme Court dismissed the appeal, maintaining that the party’s disregard for the rule of law necessitated judicial intervention.

This final verdict leaves the PDP in a state of leadership uncertainty as it must now navigate a legal and administrative path toward a valid and inclusive national convention.