Abdulrahman-led PDP leadership appears before Appeal Court over convention challenge

2026-02-12 - 15:59

By Luminous Jannamike Abuja — The Court of Appeal in Abuja is currently hearing appeals challenging the legality of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) national convention held in Ibadan, Oyo State, in November 2025—a ruling that could determine the validity of the party’s current national leadership. A three-member panel headed by Justice Mohammed Danjuma is reviewing eight appeals stemming from earlier rulings by three Federal High Courts and one State High Court, all of which questioned the convention that produced the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) led by Tanimu Turaki. Top PDP officials are in attendance, including Chairman Abdulrahman Mohammed, National Secretary Samuel Anyanwu, National Organising Secretary Umar Bature, Youth Leader Bala Aboki, National Publicity Secretary Jungudo Haruna Mohammed, and Board of Trustees Chairman Senator Mao Ohuabunwa. Several state chairmen, led by Mr. Austin Nwachikwu, are also present. The dispute began before the November 15–16, 2025 convention, when courts issued conflicting orders on whether the party could proceed. Despite the uncertainty, the convention went ahead, electing 20 NWC members, including Turaki as National Chairman, Hamza Akuyan Koshe as Deputy National Chairman (North), Daniel Ambrose Woyengikuro as Deputy National Chairman (South), and Arapaja Taofeek Gbola-Oladejo as National Secretary. The PDP faction loyal to Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, did not participate in the convention. Earlier, a Federal High Court in Abuja had stopped the party from holding the convention, citing irregularities in state congresses and compliance issues. A High Court in Oyo State subsequently allowed the convention to proceed, but another Abuja Federal High Court later restrained the exercise, raising concerns about the publication of the timetable and other procedural matters. The Appeal Court’s ruling is expected to settle whether the convention and the leadership that emerged from it were lawful under Nigerian law and the PDP’s constitution.