The Supreme Court of Nigeria has nullified the national convention of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) held in Ibadan on November 15 and 16, 2025, deepening the leadership crisis within the opposition party ahead of the 2027 general elections.

In a split judgment delivered on Thursday, a five-member panel of the court dismissed an appeal filed by a faction of the party led by Tanimu Turaki, affirming earlier rulings of the Federal High Court and the Court of Appeal which had invalidated the convention.

Delivering the lead judgment, Stephen Adah held that the appellants acted in clear violation of an existing court order that restrained them from proceeding with the convention pending compliance with earlier directives.

“The disobedience of the court order is not disputed,” the court ruled, describing the action as a serious threat to the administration of justice.

The apex court consequently dismissed both the appeal and cross-appeals, ordering all parties to bear their respective costs.

The dispute stemmed from the controversial convention organised by the Turaki-led faction despite unresolved internal disagreements and subsisting court orders. The event produced a parallel leadership structure, triggering further litigation within the party.

The court strongly criticised the actions of the faction, describing their conduct as an abuse of court process. It noted that instead of complying with the Federal High Court’s order or pursuing an appeal, the group approached another court of equal jurisdiction to obtain conflicting orders that enabled the convention to proceed.

According to the court, such actions undermine the rule of law and pose a threat to constitutional democracy.

The judgment reaffirmed that political parties, though voluntary associations, operate within the framework of the Constitution and are bound to obey lawful court orders.

The ruling is expected to have significant implications for the internal structure of the PDP as it prepares for upcoming electoral activities, further intensifying tensions within the party.