An Oyo State High Court sitting in Ibadan has upheld the validity of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) national convention held in November 2025, which produced Kabiru Tanimu Turaki as the party’s substantive National Chairman.
Delivering judgement on Friday, Justice Ladiran Akintola affirmed the amended originating summons filed by Musibau Adetunmbi (SAN) on behalf of the claimant, Folahan Malomo Adelabi. The court granted all 13 reliefs sought, ruling that the convention complied with the provisions of the 1999 Constitution, the Electoral Act 2022 (as amended), and other relevant electoral laws.
The court also dismissed motions seeking a stay of proceedings and suspension of the judgement filed by Sunday Ibrahim (SAN) on behalf of Austin Nwachukwu and two others. Earlier, their application for joinder had been rejected for lacking merit.
In addition, the court directed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to recognise and give full effect to the outcomes of the convention, including the leadership of the National Working Committee (NWC) led by Turaki.
The ruling marks the latest development in a prolonged legal dispute over the PDP’s leadership following the November 15, 2025 elective convention in Ibadan.
Previously, on January 30, 2026, the Federal High Court in Ibadan, presided over by Justice Uche Agomoh, nullified the convention, holding that it was conducted in defiance of existing court orders. That decision barred Turaki and other officers from parading themselves as national officials of the party.
The conflicting judgements have further deepened divisions within the opposition party. Despite the latest validation by the Oyo State High Court, the PDP remains split between the Turaki-led leadership and a rival faction aligned with Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, which has reportedly dismissed the ruling as inconsequential.
Multiple appeals arising from the dispute are currently before the Court of Appeal, which has reserved judgement. The final legal position on the party’s national leadership therefore remains pending.