The Tanimu Turaki (SAN)-led National Working Committee of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), backed by party governors, has welcomed the Oyo State High Court judgment affirming the validity of the party’s Ibadan National Convention held in November 2025.
In a statement issued on Friday by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Ini Ememobong, the Turaki-led NWC described the ruling as a victory for internal democracy and party unity.
The Oyo State High Court in Ibadan had affirmed the legitimacy of the convention held on November 15 and 16, 2025, during which Turaki was elected to lead the National Working Committee.
Justice Ladiran Akintola delivered the judgment, granting all reliefs sought by the claimant, Folahan Malomo Adelabi. The court declared the convention properly conducted and directed the Independent National Electoral Commission to recognise and give full effect to its outcomes.
The claimant had approached the court to protect his constitutional rights to freedom of association and to compel the party to conduct its elections as advertised, as well as to ensure recognition of the convention’s results.
According to the statement, the court had earlier issued interim orders in November 2025 that formed the legal basis for the convention to proceed. The latest ruling, it said, gives final effect to those earlier decisions.
The Turaki-led NWC commended the court for what it described as courage and commitment to justice, reaffirming confidence in the judiciary as an independent arbiter.
The party also stated its intention to pursue all lawful legal options to ensure justice is upheld, expressing optimism that appellate courts would similarly affirm the rule of law.
However, the convention has faced legal disputes. On January 30, a Federal High Court in Ibadan annulled the convention and restrained Turaki and others from presenting themselves as party officers.
Before the ruling, PDP governors had endorsed the Ibadan convention, which elected Turaki and other National Working Committee members for a four-year term.
The party later experienced internal divisions, including the formation of a caretaker committee by a faction loyal to Nyesom Wike. The crisis led to leadership disputes, clashes at the party’s national secretariat, police intervention, and prolonged legal battles.
Both factions have approached the courts and the Independent National Electoral Commission for recognition, while the Court of Appeal has heard consolidated cases related to the leadership dispute and reserved judgment.
