Turaki-led PDP faction heads to Supreme Court as Gov Bala, Makinde fail reconciliation with Wike

The crisis within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has intensified as the faction led by Kabiru Tanimu Turaki has approached the Supreme Court to challenge a Court of Appeal ruling that cleared the way for a rival faction to hold a national convention.

In its appeal, the Turaki-led group is seeking an injunction to restrain the faction loyal to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, from proceeding with the convention scheduled for March 29 and 30.

The legal battle stems from a March 9 judgment by the Court of Appeal in Abuja, which upheld an earlier decision of the Federal High Court restraining the PDP from conducting its national convention without complying with laid-down conditions. The appellate court also faulted the party for proceeding with its November 15, 2025 convention in Ibadan despite a subsisting court order.

The PDP remains sharply divided between two factions — one aligned with Turaki and backed by several PDP governors, and another led by Abdulrahman Muhammed, which is reportedly loyal to Wike.

Following an emergency meeting of its National Executive Committee (NEC), comprising members of the National Working Committee (NWC) and the Board of Trustees (BoT), the Turaki faction resolved to challenge the appellate court’s ruling at the Supreme Court. The group also formally dissociated itself from the planned convention being organised by the rival camp.

Speaking to journalists, the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Ini Ememobong, said the decision to seek legal redress was taken to protect the party’s internal processes and legitimacy.

The latest development comes despite ongoing reconciliation efforts between the warring factions, with both sides previously expressing willingness to resolve their differences. However, the fresh legal move signals that the internal crisis remains far from over as the party navigates a turbulent path ahead of future elections.

Background

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has, in recent times, been embroiled in a protracted internal crisis marked by factional divisions, legal disputes, and leadership tussles.

The rift, which has split the party into rival camps, reflects deeper struggles over control of party structures and the direction of its leadership ahead of the 2027 general elections.

At the centre of the dispute are factions linked to Kabiru Tanimu Turaki and Nyesom Wike, both laying claim to legitimacy and authority within the party.

The crisis has resulted in parallel meetings, conflicting decisions, and a series of court cases challenging the validity of party conventions and internal processes.

Judicial interventions, including rulings by the Federal High Court and the Court of Appeal, have further complicated the situation, raising concerns about the PDP’s cohesion and its ability to effectively reposition as a credible opposition force.

It is within this context of legal battles and reconciliation efforts that the latest move to approach the Supreme Court underscores the ongoing struggle for control and legitimacy within the party.

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