The Court of Appeal in Ibadan, Oyo State, has urged rival factions within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to resolve their disagreement over the party’s Ibadan elective convention through an out-of-court settlement, signaling a possible negotiated end to the prolonged internal crisis.
At Wednesday’s session, the appellate court adjourned the matter indefinitely, giving the parties the opportunity to pursue an amicable resolution outside the courtroom.
The conflict arose from disputes surrounding the PDP’s Ibadan convention, which has sparked legal battles among competing party interests. The justices emphasized that dialogue and compromise would be a more effective approach than extended litigation.
“The court also granted the parties leave to resolve the dispute amicably outside the courtroom,” the panel stated, noting that judicial intervention remains available if negotiations fail.
Lawyers representing both factions were advised to guide their clients toward a peaceful resolution to prevent further escalation within the party. The court also urged legal teams to be mindful of timing, especially in view of the electoral timetable recently released by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), warning that delays could hinder preparations for upcoming political activities.
The ruling effectively pauses the legal contest over the Ibadan convention, creating space for negotiations between the opposing factions. Political observers note that the court’s recommendation underscores a growing judicial preference for internal dispute resolution in political party conflicts, particularly when unity is critical ahead of elections.
Earlier reports indicated that the camp loyal to the Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike, told the rival faction led by Taminu Turaki to approach the Supreme Court if dissatisfied with a prior ruling nullifying the PDP’s November 2025 national convention.
This follows an Abuja Court of Appeal ruling affirming a Federal High Court decision that invalidated the PDP national convention held in Ibadan between November 15 and 16, 2025. The court barred the Independent National Electoral Commission from recognizing the convention’s outcome, including Turaki’s leadership of the party, citing failures to comply with constitutional and legal requirements.
While Wike welcomed the ruling, the Turaki faction has vowed to challenge the decision at the Supreme Court. Meanwhile, the Wike-backed PDP leadership announced plans for a new national convention on March 29, following a fresh round of congresses in line with a Federal High Court judgment.
Haruna Mohammed, National Publicity Secretary for the Wike-supported National Working Committee, confirmed that ward and local government congresses had been completed, with state congresses scheduled for Saturday and the national convention set for March 29–30. He emphasized that the Turaki faction remains free to appeal at the Supreme Court if it deems the ruling unjust.
According to the INEC electoral calendar released on February 26, 2026, political parties are expected to conduct primaries and resolve internal disputes between April 23 and May 30, 2026.
