By Ayomide Otitoju
The Court of Appeal in Abuja has dismissed an appeal filed by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) challenging an earlier ruling that restrained the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from recognising the outcome of the party’s planned national convention in Ibadan, Oyo State, scheduled for November 15 and 16.
In a unanimous decision delivered by a three-member panel, the appellate court resolved all four issues raised for determination against the PDP, holding that the appeal lacked merit.
The court affirmed the October 31 judgment of the Federal High Court of Nigeria, delivered by Justice James Omotosho, which restrained INEC from recognising the outcome of the proposed convention.
The appellate court rejected the PDP’s argument that the trial court lacked jurisdiction on the grounds that the matter concerned the party’s internal affairs. It ruled that the lower court was right to entertain the suit and grant the reliefs sought by the plaintiffs.
The court also held that the plaintiffs had the locus standi to institute the case in order to protect their democratic rights and dismissed the party’s claim that it was denied fair hearing during the proceedings.
In addition, the court awarded ₦2 million in costs against the PDP faction led by Kabiru Tanimu Turaki, describing the appeal as frivolous.
Several PDP leaders from opposing factions were present in court when the judgment was delivered on Monday. Among those sighted were the group led by Turaki and another faction led by Abdulrahman Mohammed.
The National Secretary of the Mohammed-led National Working Committee, Samuel Anyanwu, was also seen exchanging pleasantries with Turaki shortly after the proceedings.
In the earlier ruling delivered in October 2025, Justice Omotosho had restrained INEC from accepting the report of any PDP national convention that did not comply with the party’s constitution, the Electoral Act of Nigeria, and the commission’s guidelines.
