Dare Babalola
A Federal High Court sitting in Ibadan has nullified the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) National Convention held in Ibadan, Oyo State, on November 15, 2025.
The court barred members of the Tanimu Turaki-led National Working Committee, NWC, from parading themselves as national officers of the PDP.
The court also ruled that the Caretaker Committee led by Mohammed Abdulrahman and Senator Samuel Anyanwu is the only recognised NWC of the PDP, pending the conduct of a valid National Convention.
Recall that Turaki, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, was elected as the PDP National Chairman following a tense and highly controversial national convention held in Ibadan.
The convention, which drew delegates from all 36 states and the FCT, was marked by sharp disagreements over zoning, accreditation delays, and allegations of last-minute manoeuvres by rival blocs.
Security was tightened around the venue as factional groups exchanged accusations, prompting brief disruptions before the commencement of voting.
The controversy surrounding the convention began when conflicting court orders were issued by different courts. An Oyo State High Court had initially granted an interim injunction allowing the convention to proceed, while a Federal High Court in Abuja restrained the PDP from holding the convention.
The Abuja court ruling was in response to a suit filed by aggrieved party members who claimed the convention was not conducted in accordance with the party’s constitution and relevant national laws.
The nullification of the convention is seen as a win for the Mohammed Abdulrahman-led Caretaker Committee, which has been recognized by the court as the legitimate interim leadership of the PDP.
The committee, aligned with Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, will continue to manage party affairs until a valid national convention is held.
