Fresh Court of Appeal Judgment Deepens PDP Crisis Ahead of 2027 Elections

Fresh concerns have emerged over the future of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) ahead of the 2027 general elections following a new judgment by the Court of Appeal, which has further complicated the party’s protracted leadership crisis.

Political analysts warn that if the internal dispute remains unresolved and the legal implications of the judgment persist, the former ruling party may face serious procedural hurdles that could ultimately threaten its participation in the next general elections.

This development comes as the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has fixed party primaries and dispute resolution processes for between April 23 and May 30, 2026. The schedule leaves political parties, including the PDP, with less than three months to conclude all internal processes required to produce candidates through direct primaries or consensus arrangements.

However, the ongoing leadership tussle within the PDP has heightened fears that the party may struggle to meet INEC’s deadlines if the crisis continues.

Appeal Court Upholds Suspensions, Voids Convention

On Monday, the Court of Appeal delivered judgments on appeals arising from earlier rulings by Justices James Omotosho, Peter Lifu, and Joyce Abdulmalik of the Federal High Court.

In separate decisions, the appellate court upheld the lower court’s judgment nullifying the PDP national convention that produced a factional National Working Committee (NWC) led by Tanimu Kabiru Turaki as national chairman.

The court also affirmed the validity of the suspension of the party’s National Secretary, Samuel Anyanwu, alongside the National Legal Adviser, Kamaldeen Ajibade; Deputy Legal Adviser, Okechukwu Osuoha; and National Organising Secretary, Umaru Bature.

The suspensions, announced on November 1, 2025, were based on allegations of anti-party activities and actions deemed inconsistent with the PDP constitution. The appellate court dismissed all challenges filed by the affected officers, stressing the supremacy of the party’s constitution in regulating internal affairs and disciplinary measures.

“All appeals seeking to nullify the suspensions and reinstate the officers were dismissed for lacking merit,” the court ruled.

Factions Disagree on Next Steps

Despite the judgment, the crisis within the PDP appears far from resolved, as rival factions have adopted divergent approaches.

While the Turaki-led faction has resolved to challenge the ruling at the Supreme Court, the rival group aligned with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has insisted on proceeding with its planned national convention.

Observers warn that the conflicting strategies could further deepen the crisis and complicate efforts to stabilise the party ahead of the 2027 polls.

Turaki-Led NWC Heads to Supreme Court

Reacting to the judgment, the PDP National Publicity Secretary, Ini Ememobong, announced that the Turaki-led NWC would appeal to the Supreme Court.

He accused the rival faction of acting as agents of the ruling government within the party and reaffirmed the leadership’s resolve to reclaim control of the PDP.

According to Ememobong, the appellate panel presided over by Justice Mohammed Ambi-Usi Danjuma upheld the decisions of the Federal High Court and dismissed the appeal against the interlocutory orders of Justice Abdulmalik.

He warned that implementing the judgment could cause significant hardship for party members but expressed optimism that the Supreme Court would expeditiously resolve the matter in the interest of democracy.

Wike-Backed Faction Insists on Convention

Conversely, the faction linked to the FCT minister has maintained that it will proceed with its national convention scheduled for March 28.

Spokesman of the group, Haruna Mohammed, said preparations would continue despite the court ruling, a stance analysts say could worsen the leadership crisis and create additional legal complications.

Stakeholders Mull BoT Intervention

Meanwhile, PDP stakeholders are reportedly holding consultations on the way forward. Sources disclosed that there are suggestions for the party’s Board of Trustees (BoT), led by Adolphus Wabara, to temporarily take over the administration of the party pending the resolution of the crisis.

Court Explains Rationale

In a related judgment, the Court of Appeal dismissed an appeal filed by the PDP against an October 31 ruling of Justice Omotosho, which restrained INEC from recognising the outcome of the party’s proposed Ibadan convention in November 2025.

Justice Uchechukwu Onyemenam, who read the unanimous decision of the appellate panel, held that the PDP failed to comply with constitutional and statutory requirements, including proper notification to INEC and the conduct of valid congresses in the required number of states.

Mixed Reactions Trail Judgment

Reacting to the ruling, the Edo State chapter of the PDP welcomed the decision, describing it as a vindication of party supremacy and internal discipline.

However, party chieftain and presidential hopeful Gbenga Hashim described the crisis as a “family quarrel” that should be resolved through dialogue and reconciliation.

Prominent legal practitioner Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa (SAN) also urged the PDP to seek internal resolution rather than prolonged litigation, advising the BoT to dissolve existing structures and rebuild the party.

As the clock ticks toward the 2027 elections, uncertainty continues to trail the PDP, with many party faithful anxious over whether the opposition party can overcome its internal divisions in time to mount a credible challenge at the polls.