Makinde-backed exercise declared illegal over court order violation
The Supreme Court on Thursday nullified the national convention organised by a faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ibadan, Oyo State, dealing a significant blow to the party’s internal structure ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The apex court, in a majority judgment delivered by Justice Stephen Jona Adah, held that the convention held on November 15 and 16, 2025, was conducted in defiance of a valid court order and therefore cannot stand.
The convention had produced a factional National Working Committee led by Tanimu Turaki.
Justice Adah ruled that disobedience to lawful court orders by the faction reportedly backed by Seyi Makinde constituted a grave affront to the rule of law and democratic principles. He stressed that such actions must not be condoned under any circumstance.
However, in a dissenting judgment, Justices Haruna Tsanami and Abubakar Sadiq Umar argued that the matter bordered on the internal affairs of a political party and should not have been subjected to judicial intervention.
The suit was originally filed by former Jigawa State Governor, Sule Lamido, who challenged the conduct of the convention, alleging he was denied nomination forms to contest.
Earlier, a Federal High Court had restrained the PDP from holding the convention, citing violations of the party’s constitution and due process. The Court of Appeal later upheld the decision, affirming that the exercise was conducted in breach of subsisting court orders.
Despite these rulings, the faction proceeded with the convention, leading to prolonged legal battles that culminated in Thursday’s Supreme Court verdict.
The judgment is expected to have far-reaching implications for the opposition party’s cohesion and preparations for the 2027 elections.
