PDP plays down ruling as court voids November national convention

A federal high court in ibadan has nullified the peoples democratic party’s national convention held on 15 november 2025, dealing a fresh setback to the faction that emerged from the gathering.

in a judgment delivered on friday, the court also barred kabiru turaki and others from presenting themselves as national officers of the party, intensifying an already protracted leadership crisis within the pdp.

the ruling follows months of internal disputes that have fractured the opposition party into rival factions and triggered a series of legal battles over its national leadership and internal decision-making processes.

despite the divisions, the pdp had gone ahead with its two-day elective national convention at the lekan salami stadium in adamasinba, ibadan, an event tagged #ibadan2025 that drew thousands of delegates, party leaders and supporters from across the country.

reacting to the judgment, the party sought to downplay its impact, insisting that the legal battle was far from over.

in a statement posted on the pdp’s x handle, the national publicity secretary, ini ememobong, said the party was awaiting the final determination of the appellate courts, which it believes will uphold the legitimacy of the convention.

he urged party members to remain calm and committed, describing the judgment as an interim development rather than a final verdict.

“notwithstanding this judgment, the kabiru turaki–led peoples democratic party, which emerged from the ibadan convention, remains legally intact and unshaken as we await the authoritative pronouncement of the appellate courts,” the statement said.

“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.”

as the matter heads to the appellate court, the outcome is expected to have significant implications for the pdp’s cohesion and strategic direction ahead of future political engagements.