The Court of Appeal in Abuja on Monday dismissed the Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) appeal against a Federal High Court injunction preventing the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from recognising the party’s national convention scheduled for November 15–16 in Ibadan, Oyo State.
A three-member appellate panel ruled unanimously that the PDP’s appeal lacked merit, affirming Justice James Omotosho’s October 31 judgment. The court upheld the plaintiffs’ right to challenge the convention, rejecting claims that the court had no jurisdiction or that the party was denied a fair hearing.
The panel ordered the PDP Turaki faction to pay N2 million in legal costs for pursuing what the court described as a frivolous appeal. The judgment reinforces the judiciary’s authority in overseeing compliance with internal party rules and protecting members’ democratic rights.
Both factions of the PDP were present at the hearing. The Turaki-led group and the Abdulrahman Mohammed-led national working committee attended, with party leaders including Samuel Anyanwu seen engaging with Turaki amicably.
The ruling prevents INEC from validating the Ibadan convention while intra-party disputes remain unresolved, marking another decisive moment in the PDP’s ongoing leadership struggle.
Further proceedings are expected as the appellate court continues to examine other cases stemming from the party’s internal conflicts.
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