Court affirms legality of 2025 Ibadan PDP elective convention
Oyo State Court Affirms Legitimacy of PDP’s 2025 Elective Convention
By Adeola Badru
IBADAN, Nigeria — The Oyo State High Court has affirmed the validity of the Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) 2025 Elective Convention, which resulted in Dr. Kabiru Turaki being named the party’s national chairman.
In a ruling delivered on Friday, Justice Ladiran Akintola upheld the convention, determining it was conducted in accordance with relevant constitutional and statutory provisions regarding party elections in Nigeria.
This decision represents a crucial legal victory for the party’s leadership, clarifying ongoing disputes related to the convention’s legitimacy.
The ruling stemmed from an amended originating summons filed by Misibau Adetunmbi (SAN) on behalf of claimant Folahan Malomo Adelabi, under Suit No. I/1336/2025. The court granted all 13 requests made by the claimant, endorsing the processes and outcomes of the convention held in Ibadan.
Justice Akintola noted that the convention, organized by the recognized leadership of the PDP, met the legal requirements outlined in the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, as well as the Electoral Act 2022 (as amended) and the relevant provisions of the Electoral Act 2026. The court found no violations of due process or statutory non-compliance in how the convention was conducted.
Additionally, the court dismissed a Motion on Notice aimed at halting proceedings, filed by Sunday Ibrahim (SAN) on behalf of Austin Nwachukwu and two others. Justice Akintola characterized these applications as lacking merit.
Previously, the court also rejected Ibrahim’s attempt to have his clients added as parties to the suit, stating that the application for joinder was unsubstantiated.
This ruling reinforces the legal foundations of the PDP’s leadership and may play a significant role in the party’s future activities leading up to elections.
