The Supreme Court of Nigeria has dismissed an appeal filed by a faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) led by Taminu Turaki, further deepening the party’s leadership crisis.
The apex court upheld earlier judgments declaring the PDP national convention held in Ibadan, Oyo State, on November 15 and 16 last year as illegal, citing a violation of a subsisting court order. The order, issued by James Omotosho of the Federal High Court, had restrained the party from conducting the convention until outstanding disputes—particularly over eligibility to contest leadership positions—were resolved.
Despite the directive, the Turaki-led faction proceeded with the convention, prompting opposition from rival party members, including a bloc aligned with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike. The opposing faction challenged the exercise in court, arguing that it was conducted in defiance of a valid judicial order. 
Lower courts, including the Court of Appeal, had ruled in favour of the challengers, declaring the convention null and void.
In its ruling delivered on Thursday, the Supreme Court faulted the Turaki faction for approaching a different court rather than following due appellate procedures, describing the move as an abuse of court process. The court also cautioned against the misuse of judicial channels.
With the dismissal of the appeal, the apex court affirmed that the Ibadan convention has no legal standing. The ruling adds to the ongoing internal strife within the PDP, where competing factions continue to hold parallel meetings, exacerbating divisions within the party.
