The Court of Appeal of Nigeria sitting in Ibadan has adjourned indefinitely the appeal filed by two factions of the Peoples Democratic Party over the party’s 2025 National Convention held in Ibadan.
The convention produced Tanimu Turaki as National Chairman of the party. However, another faction led by Mohammed AbdulRahman, reportedly backed by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, also laid claim to leadership.
According to the News Agency of Nigeria, the AbdulRahman faction had earlier secured a judgment from the Federal High Court, Ibadan which nullified the outcome of the convention.
In a separate suit, however, Justice Ladiran Akintola of the Oyo State High Court ruled in favour of the Turaki faction, declaring that the Ibadan convention complied with provisions of the PDP constitution as well as the Electoral Act.
Following the conflicting rulings, both factions proceeded to file separate appeals before the Court of Appeal in Ibadan.
NAN further reports that the appellate court had earlier directed the parties to explore an amicable resolution after receiving an application from the Turaki faction seeking to withdraw its appeal.
At Wednesday’s sitting, the three-member panel led by Justice Biobele Georgewill asked counsel representing the parties to update the court on progress made toward a peaceful settlement.
Counsel to the PDP, Mr Musibau Adetunbi, SAN, and Mr Jimoh Mumini, SAN, told the court that discussions were ongoing among the parties and that there had been progress in principle toward resolving the dispute.
Counsel to AbdulRahman, Samuel Anyanwu and Mao Ohuabunwa, Mr Sunday Ameh, SAN, also informed the court that he had consulted with his clients and that they were open to reaching a settlement.
Mrs F. Ajiboye, counsel to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), told the court that the commission supports efforts by the parties to resolve their differences amicably.
In view of the parties’ willingness to settle, Justice Georgewill adjourned the case indefinitely.
He, however, urged both factions to act quickly, noting that INEC’s timetable for the 2027 general election would not be delayed because of their dispute.
The appellate court also advised lawyers involved in the case to properly guide their clients, stressing that the success or failure of the settlement process could determine the future of the party.
“Settlement is give and take. You, as legal professionals should take the lead and advise them legally because they may not understand,” he said.
Justice Georgewill added that the court was aware of a recent judgment delivered by the Court of Appeal in Abuja concerning the dispute, noting that the case might have been transferred to Abuja if the parties had not indicated their willingness to settle.
He directed the parties to notify the court once they reach agreed settlement terms or if negotiations collapse, so that a date can be fixed for further proceedings.
