The Supreme Court has scheduled April 22 for the hearing of an appeal stemming from the leadership crisis within the Peoples Democratic Party.
The decision was made on Tuesday by a five-member panel of the apex court led by Mohammed Garba, which granted accelerated hearing and set strict timelines for the filing and exchange of legal processes.
Among those present in court were Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, factional national chairman Tanimu Turaki, and national secretary Taofeek Arapaja.
However, Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, was absent, reportedly due to plans to defect to another party ahead of deadlines set by the Independent National Electoral Commission.
Appeal details
The appeal was filed by the Turaki-led faction, challenging the nullification of the PDP’s national convention held in Ibadan in November 2025.
Counsel to the appellants, Chris Uche, urged the court to abridge time for filings, citing urgency tied to INEC’s April 23 deadline for submission of candidates.
He argued that the matter required swift resolution “in the interest of justice,” supported by an affidavit of extreme urgency.
Court directives
Although counsel to the rival faction aligned with FCT Minister Nyesom Wike did not oppose the request, he sought additional time to respond.
The Supreme Court, however, ordered all respondents to file their briefs within five days, while appellants were given two days to reply on points of law.
It also directed that all processes must be filed and exchanged before April 21, ahead of the April 22 hearing.
Background rulings
The dispute originates from March 9 judgments of the Court of Appeal, which upheld earlier rulings of the Federal High Court in Abuja nullifying the PDP’s Ibadan convention.
The lower courts ruled that the convention violated existing court orders, the Electoral Act, and the party’s constitution, citing failure to properly notify INEC and conduct valid congresses in some states.
Judges James Omotosho and Peter Lifu had earlier restrained the party from proceeding with the convention.
Deepening crisis
Despite the rulings, both factions within the PDP have continued to operate parallel leadership structures, intensifying internal divisions.
The Turaki-led camp is now seeking to overturn the decisions and validate the convention that produced its leadership.
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