By Micah Jonah, February 28, 2026
The Nyesom Wike-backed faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has rejected an Oyo State High Court ruling that upheld the validity of the party’s 2025 National Convention in Ibadan, which produced Tanimu Turaki as National Chairman. The Wike faction described the judgment as “inconsequential”, claimed it does not bind the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), citing prior Federal High Court orders.
Conversely, the Turaki-led National Working Committee (NWC) hailed the ruling as a victory for internal democracy, asserting the convention was conducted legally, transparently, and in compliance with party and national laws.
Justice Ladiran Akintola affirmed the convention’s legality, declaring that all statutory requirements, including notices to INEC, were satisfied. The court also confirmed that the outcomes of the convention were binding on INEC until a higher court decides otherwise.
The dispute between the factions has persisted since late 2025, with parallel committees, clashing party meetings, and ongoing legal battles ahead of the 2027 general elections. The Wike-aligned faction plans a fresh National Convention in Abuja on March 29–30, 2026.
