The Federal High Court in Abuja has issued a restraining order against the leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) led by Kabiru Turaki. The court's decision was made public on Monday, following a suit filed by a faction of the party loyal to Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike. The faction, led by its acting National Chairman, Alhaji Mohammed Abdulrahman, had prayed the court to stop the police and Department of State Services (DSS) from allowing Turaki's leadership to access the party's national secretariat in Abuja.
Justice Joyce Abdulmalik, who delivered the judgment, held that the convention held by the Turaki-led faction on November 15 and 16, 2025, in Ibadan, was a nullity. The judge stated that the convention violated Section 287(3) of the Nigerian Constitution and the PDP's constitution. She also described the expulsion of Wike and his allies from the party as an affront to the order of court.
The court's order also directs security agencies to provide adequate protection to the Wike-led faction while accessing the secretariat. The judge further stated that any dissatisfaction with her decisions is a matter for appeal, not recusal, and consequently refused the application for lacking in merit.
The Wike-led PDP held its own national convention on Sunday, where Abdulrahaman emerged as the substantive national chairman. Despite these rulings, the Turaki-led faction proceeded with the convention which produced Turaki as national chairman of the party.
The court's ruling underscores the deepening crisis within the PDP, with the Turaki-led faction defying a valid court order to hold a national convention. The decision highlights the need for the party to respect the rule of law and adhere to its constitution. The fact that the Turaki faction proceeded with the convention despite the court's order raises questions about their commitment to democratic principles. The Wike-led faction's decision to hold its own convention, on the other hand, suggests a willingness to work within the existing legal framework. As the party navigates this complex web of court orders and factional disputes, it remains to be seen how this will impact the party's chances in future elections.
