The Federal High Court sitting in Ibadan, Oyo State, has nullified the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) National Convention held in the state on November 15, 2025, a judgement that has reignited internal power struggles within the party and intensified tensions between political camps aligned with former Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, and Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde.
In its ruling, the court declared the Ibadan convention invalid, holding that the processes leading to the exercise failed to comply with the party’s constitution and relevant legal provisions governing the conduct of a national convention.
Consequently, the court barred the National Chairman purportedly produced by the convention, Alhaji Tanimu Turaki, alongside members of the National Working Committee (NWC) that emerged from the exercise, from parading themselves as national officers of the PDP.
The judgement further recognised the Caretaker Committee led by Alhaji Abdulrahman, with Senator Samuel Anyanwu as a key figure, as the only legitimate and legally recognised National Working Committee of the party, pending the conduct of a fresh and valid national convention.
Political analysts say the ruling has reopened fault lines within the PDP, as rival power blocs loyal to Wike and Makinde are expected to intensify manoeuvres for control of the party’s national structure ahead of future electoral contests.
While Governor Makinde, whose state hosted the nullified convention, has not officially reacted to the judgement, party insiders note that the ruling could weaken the influence of factions perceived to be aligned with his political camp.
Similarly, the Wike camp is believed to be recalibrating its strategy following the court’s affirmation of the caretaker committee, a development seen by observers as a temporary shift in the balance of power within the party.
The judgement is expected to shape the next phase of the PDP’s internal politics, as the party faces mounting pressure to organise a constitutionally valid national convention to restore stability and unity.
As of the time of filing this report, the PDP leadership and key stakeholders were yet to issue an official response to the court ruling.
