…Affirms Turaki-led executives
The judgment is being widely interpreted within party circles as a major legal and political victory for the PDP, which has been grappling with internal disputes in the aftermath of the convention
A High Court of Oyo State sitting in Ibadan on Friday, February 27, 2026, validated the 2025 National Convention of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), thereby bringing an end to legal uncertainty that surrounded the leadership status of the opposition party.
In its judgement, the court presided over by Justice Ladiran Akintola, held that the convention, which took place in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital in November 2025, was properly convened and conducted in line with the party’s constitution and applicable electoral guidelines.
The court further held that the decision effectively validated the emergence of new national officers elected at the convention.
The judgment is being widely interpreted within party circles as a major legal and political victory for the PDP, which has been grappling with internal disputes in the aftermath of the convention.
The November 2025 National Convention of the PDP which attracted delegates from across the country was convened to elect a new set of national officers to steer the affairs of the party ahead of the 2027 political contests.
However, the Nyesom Wike led members of the Party that were expelled from the party at the convention, challenged the legitimacy of the process of the convention and legal compliance of the exercise.
The suit challenging aspects of the convention was filed by Folahan Malomo Adelabi, who prayed the court through his counsel, Musbau Adetunmbi for 13 reliefs and a request for joinder which were addressed during proceedings in the court.
While delivering his judgement, Justice Akintola granted all 13 reliefs presented by the claimant and also held that the convention met the procedural and constitutional requirements stipulated by the party.
Justice Akintola also held that the convention was duly convened by the appropriate organs of the PDP and conducted in accordance with its constitution and relevant electoral guidelines.
The trial judged particularly held that objections raised against the exercise lacked sufficient evidentiary backing, and emphasised that no convincing proof was presented to establish that there was any breach of procedure or violation of internal party regulations substantial enough to invalidate the convention.
Accordingly, Justice Akintola dismissed the objections and upheld the reliefs sought, thereby validated the process and resolutions reached at the Ibadan PDP national convention.
With the ruling, the Turaki-led national officers elected at the Ibadan national convention in November 2025, has now gained legal backing and recognition as the judgment provided clarity on the leadership question that had lingered over the party in recent weeks.
Party officials who were present in court welcomed the judgement of the court which they described as “triumph for internal democracy and the rule of law”.
