A faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) led by Kabiru Turaki has been restrained by a Federal High Court in Abuja from accessing the party's national secretariat. The ruling, delivered on Monday by Justice Joyce Abdulmalik, came after a suit was instituted by party members aligned with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.
The court ordered security agencies, including the Nigerian Police Force and the Department of State Services (DSS), to ensure protection for the Wike-backed faction. This will enable them to access and conduct activities at the PDP national headquarters without interference. The court's decision was made in response to a suit filed by Wike's faction, which challenged the legitimacy of the Turaki-led leadership.
The court ruled that the PDP national convention held in Ibadan on November 15 and 16, 2025, which produced Turaki as leader, was invalid and of no legal effect. This was due to non-compliance with Section 287(3) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and a breach of the PDP's internal regulations.
The ruling has significant implications for the PDP and its leadership. The court's decision to restrain Turaki's faction from accessing the national secretariat may lead to further divisions within the party.
The court's ruling is a direct challenge to the legitimacy of Kabiru Turaki's leadership of the PDP. With the national secretariat now restricted to the Wike-backed faction, the party's internal dynamics are set to become even more complex. The implications of this ruling will be felt by party members and supporters across the country. The court's decision to uphold the validity of the Wike-backed faction's claims highlights the deep-seated divisions within the PDP. As the party navigates this crisis, the question remains: what does this mean for the future of the PDP and its ability to present a united front in the coming elections?
