The faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) backed by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has dismissed the recent judgment of the Oyo State High Court, describing it as inconsequential and of no binding effect.
The PDP caretaker committee, led by Mohammed Abdulrahman and Senator Samuel Anyanwu, emphasised in a statement on Friday that the November 2025 convention remains invalid. The statement was issued by the committee’s National Publicity Secretary, Jungudo Mohammed.
The Oyo State High Court, sitting in Ibadan, had on Friday upheld the 2025 PDP convention held on November 15 and 16, during which a National Working Committee led by Tanimu Turaki was elected. Justice Ladiran Akintola granted all 13 reliefs sought by the claimant, Folahan Malomo Adelabi.
Reacting to the ruling, the Wike-backed faction said the judgment does not bind the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and is therefore legally insignificant.
The faction stated, “The judgment reportedly delivered by the Oyo State High Court is an inconsequential development and is best described as a mere academic exercise. INEC was neither joined nor represented as a party in the suit. A judgment that does not bind INEC is of no consequence whatsoever as far as the issues at stake are concerned.”
The committee also reiterated that INEC has already complied with two subsisting judgments of the Federal High Court in Abuja, which restrained the commission from attending, monitoring, or recognising the outcome of the purported November 2025 convention.
The Wike-backed caretaker committee further assured party members that preparations for the conduct of congresses and a fresh National Convention are in advanced stages. The new convention is scheduled to hold in Abuja from March 29 to 30.
This development comes amid a protracted legal and political battle within the PDP ahead of the 2027 general elections. On January 30, a Federal High Court sitting in Ibadan nullified the November 2025 convention and ordered Turaki and others to cease parading themselves as national officers of the party.
Both factions—Wike-aligned and the governors’ camp—have sought recognition from INEC, which has declined to acknowledge either side. Meanwhile, the Court of Appeal has heard consolidated cases relating to the PDP leadership dispute and reserved judgment.
