The Supreme Court has fixed 22 April for an accelerated hearing of the deepening leadership crisis within the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), as rival factions scramble to secure legal recognition ahead of a critical electoral deadline.
At proceedings in Abuja on Tuesday, a five-member panel led by Mohammed Garba granted an expedited timetable for the appeal, ordering parties to file and exchange all legal processes within days.
The case, brought by a faction led by Tanimu Turaki, challenges earlier court rulings that nullified the party’s November 2025 national convention in Ibadan—an event that produced the current leadership contested by rival blocs.
Race against the clock
The urgency reflects mounting pressure from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), which has set 23 April as the deadline for political parties to begin submitting candidates.
Arguing for an accelerated hearing, counsel to the appellants, Chris Uche, told the court that a swift ruling was essential “in the interest of justice”, warning that any delay could leave the party unable to meet regulatory timelines.
Although lawyers representing a rival faction aligned with Nyesom Wike did not oppose the request, they sought more time to respond—an application the court effectively curtailed by imposing strict deadlines.
Respondents have now been given five days to file their briefs, with the appellants allowed a further two days to reply on points of law. All filings must be completed by 21 April, a day before the hearing.
Governors and shifting loyalties
The proceedings drew senior party figures, including Oyo state governor Seyi Makinde, national secretary Taofeek Arapaja, and other stakeholders.
Notably absent was Bauchi state governor Bala Mohammed, amid reports he is considering defection to another party in order to comply with INEC timelines—a move that would further destabilise the PDP’s already fragile coalition.
Convention under scrutiny
At the heart of the dispute is the legality of the Ibadan convention, which lower courts found to have been conducted in defiance of subsisting court orders and statutory requirements.
Judgments delivered by the federal high court and upheld by the court of appeal cited failures including inadequate notice to INEC and irregularities in state congresses, effectively rendering the convention—and the leadership it produced—void.
The rulings dealt a significant blow to the Turaki-led faction, but have not resolved the crisis. Instead, both camps have continued to operate parallel structures, each claiming legitimacy.
Party at a crossroads
With the 2027 election cycle looming, the PDP’s internal conflict has evolved into a full-scale factional battle, raising questions about its readiness to mount a credible challenge to the ruling party.
The supreme court’s decision next week is now seen as pivotal—not only for determining the party’s leadership, but for shaping the broader opposition landscape in the months ahead.
