An Oyo State High Court sitting in Ibadan has affirmed the validity of the 2025 National Convention of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), bringing an end to weeks of legal uncertainty surrounding the opposition party’s leadership.
Delivering judgment on Friday, Justice Ladiran Akintola of Court 5 ruled that the convention, which took place in November 2025 in Ibadan, was properly convened and conducted in line with the party’s constitution and applicable electoral guidelines. The decision effectively validates the emergence of new national officers elected during the exercise.
The judgment is being widely interpreted within party circles as a major legal and political victory for the PDP, which has been grappling with internal disputes in the aftermath of the convention.
Background to the Dispute
The 2025 National Convention, held in Ibadan, the capital of Oyo State, was convened to elect a new set of national officers to steer the affairs of the PDP ahead of upcoming political contests. The convention attracted delegates from across the country and was closely monitored by party stakeholders and observers.
However, not long after the convention concluded, legal questions were raised regarding the legitimacy of the process and the compliance of the exercise with internal party rules.
The suit challenging aspects of the convention was filed by Folahan Malomo Adelabi, who approached the court through his counsel, Musbau Adetunmbi. The claimant sought multiple reliefs from the court, questioning the legality of the convention and the validity of its outcomes.
The application also included a request for joinder, which was addressed during proceedings before Justice Akintola.
Court Grants 13 Reliefs, Affirms Process
In a detailed ruling, Justice Akintola granted all 13 reliefs presented by the claimant. While the full text of the judgment is expected to be made available in the coming days, the court’s pronouncement clearly affirmed that the convention met the procedural and constitutional requirements stipulated by the party.
The judge held that the convention was duly convened by the appropriate organs of the PDP and conducted in accordance with its constitution and relevant electoral guidelines. He further ruled that objections raised against the exercise lacked sufficient evidentiary backing.
According to the court, no convincing proof was presented to establish that there was any breach of procedure or violation of internal party regulations substantial enough to invalidate the convention.
By dismissing the objections and upholding the reliefs sought, the court effectively validated the process and resolutions reached at the Ibadan gathering.
Legal Recognition for New Leadership
With the ruling, the national officers elected during the November 2025 convention now stand legally recognised. The judgment provides clarity on the leadership question that had lingered over the party in recent weeks.
Political analysts note that leadership disputes within major political parties often have far-reaching implications, particularly as parties begin strategic positioning ahead of general elections. The High Court’s decision is therefore seen as a stabilising development for the PDP.
Party officials who were present in court welcomed the verdict, describing it as a triumph for internal democracy and the rule of law.
“This judgment reinforces our faith in the judiciary and in due process,” one senior party member said shortly after proceedings concluded. “It confirms that the convention was conducted transparently and in line with our constitution.”
Implications for Party Unity and Future Elections
The PDP, one of Nigeria’s leading opposition parties, has faced periodic internal tensions in recent years. Observers say the High Court ruling offers an opportunity for the party to close ranks and focus on broader political objectives.
Party leaders indicated that the judgment would allow them to move forward with reconciliation efforts among aggrieved members. They stressed that unity would be critical as the party prepares for future electoral contests.
“The distraction of litigation is now behind us,” another party official remarked. “Our priority is to strengthen our structures nationwide and present a credible alternative to Nigerians.”
Legal experts also highlighted the broader significance of the ruling. By affirming the authority of internal party constitutions and established procedures, the court underscored the importance of adherence to democratic norms within political organisations.
Broader Context
Political party conventions in Nigeria often serve as defining moments in shaping leadership direction and policy priorities. Disputes arising from such gatherings are not uncommon, particularly in large parties with diverse interests and factions.
The Ibadan convention was expected to mark a fresh chapter for the PDP, as it sought to reorganise its national structure and reposition itself in the evolving political landscape. The court’s decision now removes a key obstacle that could have complicated that effort.
While some stakeholders had expressed concern that prolonged litigation might weaken the party’s cohesion, Friday’s ruling appears to have eased those fears.
For now, attention is turning to the next steps for the newly affirmed leadership. Observers will be watching closely to see how effectively the party leverages the legal clarity provided by the court to rebuild trust among members and expand its political reach.
Awaiting Full Judgment Details
Although the High Court has delivered its ruling, more detailed information is expected once the certified true copy of the judgment becomes available. Legal analysts anticipate that the full text will shed further light on the court’s reasoning, particularly in relation to the 13 reliefs granted and the arguments considered.
Nevertheless, the immediate effect of the decision is clear: the 2025 PDP National Convention held in Ibadan stands validated, and the leadership it produced is now legally recognised.
As developments continue to unfold, party stakeholders and political observers alike will be assessing how this judicial endorsement shapes the trajectory of the PDP in the months ahead.
