Appeal Court Urges PDP Factions to Settle Convention Dispute, Adjourns Case Indefinitely

The Court of Appeal sitting in Ibadan on Wednesday adjourned indefinitely the legal battle surrounding the 2025 national convention of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), while encouraging the parties involved to resolve their differences amicably outside the courtroom.

The appellate court also granted leave to the disputing parties to pursue an out-of-court settlement in a bid to de-escalate the lingering leadership crisis within the opposition party.

During the proceedings, the panel of justices advised the parties to embrace dialogue and reconciliation, urging their respective counsel to properly guide their clients towards a peaceful resolution of the dispute.

The court, however, noted that should the parties fail to reach a compromise, they remain free to return to court for the continuation of the matter.

The justices also cautioned lawyers involved in the case to be mindful of time constraints, particularly in view of the recently released electoral timetable by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

The development follows an earlier ruling of the Court of Appeal in Abuja which nullified the PDP’s Ibadan elective convention, where Kabiru Turaki (SAN) emerged as National Chairman.

In that judgment, the lower court granted all the reliefs sought by the plaintiffs, including restraining INEC from recognising the outcome of the convention— a decision that has since deepened divisions within the party.

Wednesday’s adjournment further reflects the judiciary’s preference for mediation in politically sensitive disputes, even as pressure mounts on the PDP leadership to resolve its internal wrangling ahead of the 2027 general elections.