Court of Appeal Reserves Judgment in PDP Convention Appeals
The Court of Appeal, Abuja Division, on Thursday reserved judgment in nine separate appeals arising from disputes over the Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) national convention held on November 15 and 16, 2025, in Ibadan, Oyo State.
The convention produced Tanimu Turaki (SAN) as National Chairman of the PDP, alongside other national officers.
A three‑member panel of the appellate court fixed judgment for a date to be communicated to the parties, following the adoption of all written briefs.
One of the appeals, marked CA/ABJ/CV/1613/2025, was filed by the PDP, its National Working Committee, and National Executive Committee. The respondents include the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Austin Nwachukwu, Amah Abraham Nnanna, Turnah George, Samuel Anyanwu, Umar Damagum, Ali Odefa, and Emmanuel Ogidi.
Counsel for the appellants, Chief Chris Uche (SAN), argued that the October 31, 2025, judgment of Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court, Abuja, was delivered without jurisdiction. He urged the appellate court to dismiss what he termed “misconceived preliminary objections” and to set aside the trial court’s orders.
On the other hand, counsel for the first to third respondents, Joseph Daudu (SAN), maintained that disputes over the chairmanship of a political party are internal matters beyond the jurisdiction of the Federal High Court. He asked the appellate court to uphold the preliminary objections and dismiss the appeal. Other respondents similarly described the appeal as lacking merit and merely academic.
The nine appeals stem from three separate judgments delivered by Justices James Omotosho, Peter Lifu, and Joyce Abdulmalik of the Federal High Court, Abuja.
Justice Omotosho (October 30, 2025): restrained the PDP from holding its convention until it complied with statutory requirements under the party’s constitution and the Electoral Act. He held that INEC must ensure compliance with the law in party congresses and conventions, and ruled that notices signed solely by the national chairman without the national secretary were invalid. He also found that the PDP failed to issue the mandatory 21‑day notice to INEC.
Justice Peter Lifu (November 11, 2025): granted an order restraining the PDP from proceeding with the convention in a suit filed by former Jigawa State Governor, Sule Lamido, who alleged he was denied the opportunity to purchase a nomination form. Lifu ruled that the PDP failed to comply with legal requirements, including publication of a timetable, and held that the balance of convenience favoured the plaintiff.
Justice Joyce Abdulmalik: her ruling was also challenged, with processes adopted before the Court of Appeal, which has now reserved judgment.
The central questions before the appellate court include:
* Whether disputes over party chairmanship and conventions are purely internal matters or subject to judicial review.
– The extent of INEC’s supervisory powers under the Constitution and the Electoral Act.
– The validity of notices and compliance with statutory timelines for party conventions.
Judgment has been reserved, and the date will be communicated to the parties in due course.
