Supreme Court Affirms Illegality of PDP Ibadan Convention

The Supreme Court has upheld the nullification of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) national convention held in Ibadan in November last year, dismissing an appeal by the Taminu Turaki-led National Working Committee. In a majority decision delivered on Thursday, Justice Stephen ruled that the exercise was carried out in violation of a standing order of the Federal High Court issued by Justice James Omotosho.

The court criticised the Turaki faction for seeking relief from a court of equal authority rather than pursuing an appeal, stating that such action constituted an abuse of court process. It warned that parties who misuse judicial procedures must be prepared to face the consequences, before striking out the appeal for lacking merit.

During proceedings, counsel to the appellants, Paul Erokoro (SAN), urged the court to overturn the decision of the Court of Appeal and validate the convention. On the other hand, respondents, including former Jigawa State Governor Sule Lamido, maintained that the issue stemmed from failure to comply with a valid court order, recalling that an injunction had restrained the party from conducting the convention until certain conditions were met.

The apex court reaffirmed that political parties are bound by the rule of law and must comply with court directives once aware of them. It declared the convention null and void. However, in a dissenting view, Justice Haruna Samani, with support from Justice Abubakar Umar, held that disputes over party leadership fall within internal party matters and are beyond the jurisdiction of the courts.