The Tanimu Turaki-led National Working Committee of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has affirmed the party’s decision to take the appeal court’s judgment that nullified the Ibadan convention to the Supreme Court.
The announcement followed an emergency meeting of the PDP’s National Executive Committee (NEC) at the Bauchi Governor’s Lodge in Abuja, presided over by Turaki and the board of trustees led by Adolphus Wabara.
This was the third NEC meeting this week, focusing largely on preparations for the party’s national convention under the Abdulrahman Mohamed-led caretaker committee. In a similar meeting held on Wednesday, Turaki confirmed that reconciliation talks were ongoing and showing positive signs of progress.
The caretaker committee, which has the backing of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, expressed willingness to reconcile, setting conditions that include holding the planned convention on March 29 and 30.
Key party leaders at the emergency NEC meeting included Turaki, Wabara, former governors Babangida Aliyu and Ibrahim Shekarau, and former minister Jerry Gana. Turaki noted that Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State sent apologies for not being present and added that members would receive updates on reconciliation efforts in a closed-door session.
Turaki emphasized that the leadership is committed to ensuring that the PDP remains a strong contender in the 2027 general elections.
Appeal Court Judgment
On March 9, 2026, the Abuja Court of Appeal upheld a November 14 ruling by Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court, which barred the PDP from holding its November 15–16 national convention in Ibadan without allowing former Jigawa State Governor Sule Lamido to contest for the chairmanship.
A three-member appellate panel described the PDP’s decision to proceed with the convention despite an existing court order as contemptuous and disrespectful. The court rejected the party’s claim that it acted based on a judgment from another court, stressing that no party can decide which court order to obey.
The court ruled that the PDP should have sought a stay of execution or filed an appeal before going ahead with the convention. It dismissed the party’s appeal as lacking merit and imposed ₦2 million in costs.
Meanwhile, the Mohamed-led caretaker committee has scheduled the national convention for March 29 and 30, 2026.
