RismadarVoice Reporters, April 14, 2026
The Supreme Court of Nigeria has fixed April 22, 2026, for the hearing of appeals arising from the leadership crisis within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), following applications for accelerated proceedings.
This was disclosed in a press statement issued by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Comrade Ini Ememobong, after the matter was mentioned before the apex court.
Lead counsel to the Kabiru Turaki-led faction of the PDP, Chief Chris Uche, SAN, had urged the court to abridge the time for filing processes and grant accelerated hearing, citing the urgency of the matter.
The request was not opposed by counsel representing the respondents, including E.C. Ukala, SAN, and counsel to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Kingsley Magbim.
Although the respondents initially sought longer timelines to file their briefs, the court ruled in favour of expedited proceedings, directing all respondents to file their briefs within five days, while appellants were given two days to respond where necessary.
All filings are to be completed on or before April 21.
In a related appeal filed by former Jigawa State Governor, Sule Lamido, challenging a separate judgment of the Court of Appeal, the Supreme Court also granted a similar application for accelerated hearing.
The court subsequently fixed April 22 for the hearing of that case as well.
Both appeals stem from earlier rulings of the Court of Appeal, which upheld decisions of the Federal High Court delivered by Justices James Omotosho and Peter Lifu concerning internal disputes within the PDP.
The party, in its statement, called on members to remain steadfast and hopeful, expressing confidence that the Supreme Court would deliver judgments which uphold democratic principles.
The PDP further described the apex court as the “last hope” for safeguarding Nigeria’s democracy amid growing political tensions.
