An Oyo State High Court sitting in Ibadan has affirmed the validity of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) national convention held in the Oyo State capital in November 2025, which produced Kabiru Tanimu Turaki as the party’s substantive national chairman.
Delivering judgement on Friday, Justice Ladiran Akintola upheld the amended originating summons filed by Musibau Adetunmbi (SAN) on behalf of the claimant, Folahan Malomo Adelabi.
The court granted all 13 reliefs sought, holding that the convention complied with the provisions of the 1999 Constitution, the Electoral Act 2022 (as amended), and other relevant electoral laws.
Justice Akintola also dismissed motions seeking a stay of proceedings and suspension of the judgment filed by Sunday Ibrahim (SAN) on behalf of Austin Nwachukwu and two others.
The court had earlier rejected their application for joinder, describing it as lacking merit.
In addition, the ruling directed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to recognise and give full effect to the outcomes of the convention, including the leadership of the National Working Committee (NWC) led by Turaki.
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The decision is the latest development in a protracted legal tussle over the PDP’s leadership following the November 15, 2025, elective convention in Ibadan.
On January 30, 2026, the Federal High Court, Ibadan, presided over by Justice Uche Agomoh, nullified the convention, ruling that it was conducted in defiance of existing court orders.
That judgment barred Turaki and other officers from parading themselves as national officials of the party.
The conflicting rulings have deepened uncertainty within the opposition party’s hierarchy.
Despite the latest validation by the Oyo State High Court, the PDP remains divided between the Turaki-led leadership and a different bloc aligned with Nyesom Wike, minister of the Federal Capital Territory, which has reportedly dismissed the judgement as inconsequential.
Multiple appeals arising from the dispute are currently before the Court of Appeal Abuja, which has reserved judgement, leaving the final legal position on the party’s leadership pending.
