The Supreme Court on Thursday ended the leadership crisis in the People’s Democratic Party, PDP, as it invalidated the party’s Ibadan convention and affirmed the faction aligned with FCT Minister Nyesom Wike.
A five-member panel delivered the judgement in Abuja. The court ruled by a narrow 3–2 majority.
Justice Stephen Adah delivered the lead judgement. He said the Ibadan convention violated existing court orders. Therefore, the court declared its outcomes illegal.
The ruling also stopped the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from recognising the convention’s results.
The Kabir Turaki-led faction filed the appeal. It challenged a Court of Appeal ruling delivered on March 9 in Abuja.
However, the Supreme Court dismissed the appeal. It upheld both the appellate court and Federal High Court decisions. Both lower courts had earlier voided the Ibadan convention.
The judgement strengthens the Wike-aligned faction. That group held its own convention in March.
At the meeting, members re-elected Abdulrahman Mohammed and other National Working Committee (NWC) officials. The ruling now removes all legal obstacles to their leadership.
The PDP crisis began with rival factions. Each group organised separate conventions and claimed control of the party.
The Ibadan convention took place from November 15 to 16 last year. Courts later ruled that it breached valid court orders.
Dissatisfied, the Turaki faction approached the Supreme Court. A panel led by Justice Garba Lawal heard the case on April 22 and reserved judgement.
The ruling settles a major internal dispute within the PDP. It also clarifies the party’s leadership ahead of future elections.
With the legal battle resolved, the party may now focus on rebuilding unity and preparing for upcoming political contests.
