PDP Leadership Crisis: Court of Appeal Orders Factions to Harmonise Briefs Ahead of Judgment

The Court of Appeal in Abuja is set to take a major step toward resolving the ongoing leadership dispute within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) by harmonising the legal briefs filed by the rival factions. The development comes as the party continues to struggle with internal divisions that have persisted since the 2023 general election.
The court’s decision follows conflicting rulings from different Federal High Court divisions that have fueled the crisis. The faction led by national chairman Tanimu Turaki, supported by several governors, is seeking recognition of its leadership after a convention in November 2025 was nullified by the Ibadan Federal High Court. Meanwhile, a rival camp aligned with Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has continued to challenge the Turaki faction’s legitimacy.
During the court sitting, the judges directed both factions to harmonise their appeals to ensure a unified hearing. This move aims to prevent further legal confusion and set the stage for a clear judgment on the legitimate leadership of the party. The harmonisation will address appeals arising from three separate rulings, two from Abuja and one from Ibadan, which previously delivered opposing outcomes regarding the November convention and the status of party officials elected there.
Party leaders and chieftains, including Turaki and governors backing his faction, attended the proceedings in Abuja. They are expected to formally adopt their harmonised briefs during the upcoming session. The court will then schedule a date to deliver a final judgment that could resolve the long-standing dispute and determine which faction controls the national secretariat and overall leadership of the PDP.
The internal conflict within the PDP has been fueled by disagreements over party zoning, the influence of governors, and the aftermath of the party’s loss in the 2023 presidential election. The situation has led to parallel meetings, suspensions, and repeated court battles. The outcome of the Court of Appeal’s decision will not only settle the legal question of leadership but could also influence the party’s strategy and unity ahead of off-cycle governorship elections and the 2027 general election.
The court’s move to harmonise the briefs reflects an effort to streamline proceedings and provide a definitive resolution, ensuring that both factions present their arguments in a coordinated manner. Observers say the judgment will be closely watched as a critical moment for the PDP’s future direction and its ability to operate as a cohesive opposition party in Nigeria’s political landscape.

CLICK THE LINK TO READ FULL LIST

- Advertisement -