By Obinna Uballa
The Supreme Court of Nigeria has nullified the national convention of the Peoples Democratic Party held in Ibadan, Oyo State, on November 15 and 16, 2025, effectively invalidating the factional leadership that emerged from the exercise.
The convention had produced a parallel set of national executives led by Tanimu Turaki (SAN), deepening internal divisions within the opposition party.
In its ruling on Thursday, the apex court upheld earlier decisions of lower courts which found that the Ibadan convention was conducted in violation of subsisting court orders and the party’s constitutional provisions.
The ruling represents a victory for the Nyesom Wike faction of the opposition party.
The dispute surrounding the convention had lingered for months, with multiple legal challenges questioning the legitimacy of the gathering and its outcomes.
Prior to the convention, a Federal High Court had restrained the party from proceeding, citing breaches of due process, unresolved disputes from state congresses, and the exclusion of some aspirants from participation.
Despite the court order, the convention went ahead, triggering further litigation. The Court of Appeal later affirmed the lower court’s decision, ruling that the exercise was carried out in defiance of valid judicial directives and that its outcome could not be recognised.
Dissatisfied with the rulings, the Turaki-led faction approached the Supreme Court, seeking to overturn the judgments and validate both the convention and the executives it produced.
However, in its final decision, the Supreme Court dismissed the appeal and upheld the concurrent findings of the lower courts, declaring the convention null and void.
The judgment effectively puts an end to the legal battle over the Ibadan convention and invalidates the factional leadership that emerged from it.
