Nigeria’s internal crisis within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has taken a fresh turn after the Court of Appeal reportedly set aside the legal basis upon which a factional caretaker committee had been recognized.
According to statements issued by the Kabiru Turaki-led faction of the PDP, the appellate court held that the earlier Federal High Court ruling recognizing the caretaker committee should not have made pronouncements on that issue because it was not directly before the court. The Court of Appeal reportedly found that the substantive dispute had become academic following an earlier Supreme Court decision that nullified the PDP’s disputed national convention.
The ruling effectively overturns the portion of the Ibadan Federal High Court judgment that had been relied upon by the rival faction to claim recognition.
The Turaki-led Interim National Working Committee (INWC) has welcomed the judgment, arguing that it clears the way for its leadership structure to be recognized as the legitimate authority within the party. The faction has also called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to withdraw recognition from the caretaker committee and recognize the Turaki-led leadership instead.
In addition, the faction claims the Court of Appeal affirmed the suspension of A.K. Ajibade and ruled that he lacked authority to act on behalf of the party, a development that could further affect the balance of power within the PDP’s competing camps.
The latest judgment is expected to deepen the PDP’s leadership crisis, with rival factions likely to offer differing interpretations of the ruling and continue their struggle for control of party structures ahead of the 2027 general elections.
A key issue to watch is how INEC responds. The electoral commission had previously relied on the Federal High Court judgment that recognized the caretaker committee. As of the latest reports, INEC had not issued an official response to the Court of Appeal ruling.
Political observers say the judgment could significantly influence the PDP’s efforts to resolve its prolonged internal disputes and prepare for upcoming elections, especially as the party continues to grapple with factional divisions and competing claims to legitimacy.
