By By Elizabeth Ugbo
The Supreme Court of Nigeria on Thursday dismissed an appeal by the Taminu Turaki-led faction of the Peoples Democratic Party, ruling that the party’s Ibadan national convention violated a valid court order and cannot stand.
Court Declares PDP Convention Null and Void
Delivering the majority judgment, Justice Stephen Adah ruled that the PDP’s national convention breached an existing order of the Federal High Court.
He stressed that political parties must obey court decisions. Once a party becomes aware of a court order, compliance is mandatory.
“The conduct of the convention is null and void,” the court declared.
The court also warned against abuse of legal processes. It added that any litigant who misuses the court system does so at their own risk.
Appeal Dismissed for Lack of Merit
The apex court dismissed the appeal filed by the Turaki-led group. It held that the case lacked merit.
The justices also refused to support any party that undermines judicial authority. Each party will bear its own legal costs.
Minority Judgment Raises Jurisdiction Concerns
However, Justice Haruna Samani disagreed with the majority decision.
He argued that leadership disputes within political parties fall under internal affairs. Therefore, courts should not interfere.
Similarly, Justice Abubakar Umar supported this position. He cited earlier Supreme Court rulings limiting judicial involvement in party matters outside primary elections.
Despite their stance, both justices condemned disobedience to court orders.
Background: Crisis Deepens Within PDP
The disputed convention in Ibadan worsened divisions within the PDP. It triggered expulsions and counter-expulsions among members.
Meanwhile, another faction, backed by Nyesom Wike, held a separate convention in Abuja on March 29. That meeting produced Abdulrahman Mohammed as National Chairman.
Before the Ibadan convention, Sule Lamido secured a Federal High Court injunction. The order barred the PDP from holding the convention until he could contest.
Despite the ruling, the party proceeded with the event.
Lower Courts Had Already Voided Convention
Both the Federal High Court and the Court of Appeal had earlier nullified the convention.
They ruled that the PDP violated a valid court order. They also rejected claims that the issue was purely an internal party matter.
The appellate court described the action as an abuse of court process.
Supreme Court Criticises Forum Shopping
The apex court criticised the Turaki-led group for approaching another court of equal jurisdiction instead of filing an appeal.
This action, the court said, undermined judicial order and discipline.
Legal Arguments from Both Sides
Counsel to the appellants, Paul Erokoro (SAN), urged the court to uphold the convention.
However, the respondents argued otherwise. They maintained that the case centred on disobedience to a valid court order, not just party politics.
The Supreme Court agreed with the respondents and dismissed the appeal.
