The Court of Appeal in Abuja on Thursday reserved judgment in nine consolidated appeals arising from the crisis over the Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) November 15–16, 2025 national convention in Ibadan, Oyo State.
The convention had produced Tanimu Turaki (SAN) as National Chairman and other members of the party’s national leadership.
After counsel adopted their written briefs, the three-member appellate panel adjourned judgment to a date that will be communicated to the parties.
One of the appeals (CA/ABJ/CV/1613/2025) was filed by the PDP, its National Working Committee (NWC), and National Executive Committee (NEC), challenging the October 31, 2025 ruling of Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court, Abuja.
Respondents in the matter include INEC, Austin Nwachukwu, Amah Abraham Nnanna, Turnah George, Samuel Anyanwu, Umar Damagum, Ali Odefa, and Emmanuel Ogidi.
Arguing for the appellants, Chief Chris Uche (SAN) contended that the trial court acted without jurisdiction and urged the Court of Appeal to dismiss the preliminary objections and set aside the Federal High Court’s decision.
However, counsel to some of the respondents, Joseph Daudu (SAN), maintained that disputes relating to party chairmanship fall within the internal affairs of a political party and are therefore outside the jurisdiction of the Federal High Court.
The nine appeals stem from three separate judgments delivered by Justices James Omotosho, Peter Lifu, and Joyce Abdulmalik of the Federal High Court.
Justice Omotosho had stopped the PDP from holding the convention until it complied with statutory provisions of the Electoral Act and the party’s constitution. He held that INEC has a supervisory role in ensuring compliance with legal requirements governing party congresses and conventions, including the mandatory 21-day notice.
Similarly, Justice Peter Lifu restrained the party 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 for the chairmanship position.
The appellate court has now reserved judgment in all the related appeals.