Appeal Court Upholds Ruling Barring INEC From Recognising Ibadan PDP Convention

Monday March 9, 2026
www.thenewsdesk.ng

The Court of Appeal in Abuja has dismissed the Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) appeal against a Federal High Court order restraining the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from recognising the outcome of the party’s national convention scheduled for November 15–16 in Ibadan, Oyo State.

A three-member appellate panel, in a unanimous judgment on Monday, resolved all four issues raised by the PDP against the lower court’s October 31 ruling in favour of the plaintiffs. The court found the appeal to be without merit and affirmed that the Federal High Court acted correctly in granting the reliefs sought.

The appellate court rejected the PDP’s claim that the trial court lacked jurisdiction, holding that the plaintiffs had the legal right to file the suit to protect their democratic interests. It also dismissed the party’s argument that it had been denied a fair hearing.

In addition, the court ordered the PDP (Turaki group) to pay N2 million in costs for pursuing what it described as a frivolous appeal. The judgment underscores the judiciary’s firm stance on adherence to internal party rules and democratic processes.

Leaders from both factions of the PDP were present in court, including the group led by Kabiru Tanimu Turaki and the faction under Abdulrahman Mohammed. Samuel Anyanwu, National Secretary of the Mohammed-led national working committee, was also seen interacting with Turaki during proceedings.

The appellate court is expected to hear further cases and rulings concerning other internal disputes within the party.
(The NewDiplomat)