An Oyo State High Court sitting in Ibadan has upheld the validity of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) national convention held in November 2025 in the state capital, affirming Kabiru Tanimu Turaki as the party’s substantive National Chairman.
Delivering judgment on Friday, Justice Ladiran Akintola sustained the amended originating summons filed by Musibau Adetunmbi (SAN) on behalf of Folahan Malomo Adelabi and granted all 13 reliefs sought. The court ruled 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 for stay of proceedings and suspension of judgment filed by Sunday Ibrahim (SAN) on behalf of Austin Nwachukwu and two others, having earlier rejected their application for joinder as lacking merit.
Justice Akintola further directed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to recognise and give full effect to the outcomes of the convention, including the National Working Committee (NWC) led by Turaki.
The ruling marks the latest twist in the protracted leadership crisis within the PDP following the November 15, 2025, elective convention in Ibadan.
On January 30, 2026, a Federal High Court in Ibadan presided over by Justice Uche Agomoh had nullified the convention and barred Turaki and other officials from parading themselves as national officers.
Despite the latest judgment, divisions persist within the opposition party, with a rival bloc aligned to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, reportedly dismissing the ruling.
Appeals arising from the dispute are currently before the Court of Appeal, Abuja, which has reserved judgment.
