The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) faces a deepening legitimacy crisis after the Court of Appeal upheld the invalidation of the party’s Ibadan National Convention held on November 15-16, 2025. The ruling confirmed an earlier Federal High Court judgment and barred the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from recognising the convention’s outcome, further weakening the authority of both the Caretaker Committee and the Kabiru Tanimu Turaki-led National Working Committee.
Justice Uchechukwu Onyemenam, leading the three-member panel, noted that the PDP failed to comply with constitutional and legal requirements for holding a valid national convention, including failing to notify INEC properly. More than 14 states did not conduct valid congresses, making the convention legally defective. The court emphasized that non-compliance with the 1999 Constitution, the Electoral Act 2022, and the party’s own constitution undermines democratic governance.
The Turaki-led faction rejected the judgment, announcing plans to appeal at the Supreme Court. PDP spokesperson Ini Ememobong said the party hopes the apex court will resolve the matter quickly and urged members to remain united.
Meanwhile, political realignments are underway. Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State left the Court of Appeal proceedings in protest, while the African Democratic Congress (ADC) invited prominent PDP governors, including Seyi Makinde of Oyo State and Mohammed, to join their ranks ahead of the 2027 elections. Reports indicate Mohammed may join the APC, while Makinde is set to move to the ADC. Since the 2023 elections, at least nine PDP governors have defected, with more federal lawmakers switching to the APC.
The newly released election timetable by INEC requires political parties to submit membership registers between April 1-21, 2026, and conduct primaries by May 30, 2026, ahead of the presidential and National Assembly elections scheduled for January 16, 2027, and governorship/state assembly elections on February 6, 2027. This timeline pressures politicians considering defections to finalise plans before April 2026.
Amid fears that the PDP may struggle to field candidates due to its leadership crisis, party officials and stakeholders, including FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, see the Court of Appeal ruling as an opportunity for internal reconciliation. Wike emphasised that the invalidation of the Ibadan convention opens the way for a caretaker committee and a fresh national convention scheduled for March 29-30, 2026, at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium Velodrome, ensuring compliance with legal and party provisions.
Several party leaders expressed optimism that ongoing consultations and negotiations among factions could restore unity, allowing the PDP to present candidates for all elective positions in the 2027 elections, including the presidency. Analysts urged the party to resolve its internal disputes quickly to remain competitive and maintain its role as a credible opposition.
