Ibadan High Court Validates 2025 PDP National Convention; Dismisses Application for Stay of Proceedings.

•••••••••• Orders INEC to Comply With Rulings.

In a landmark ruling today, the High Court sitting in Ibadan, presided over by Justice Ladiran Akintola, officially validated the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) National Convention held in Ibadan on November 15 and 16, 2025.

The presiding judge dismissed the application filed by Nwachukwu and others seeking a stay of proceedings, describing the move as an attempt to stall the democratic will of the party’s members. In a decisive judgment, the court reaffirmed the legitimacy of the convention and its outcomes, effectively seeking to end months of legal uncertainty surrounding the party’s leadership.

Justice Akintola held that the Ibadan Convention was conducted in substantial compliance with both the party’s constitution and the Electoral Act.

Furthermore, the court:

• Dismissed application by Nwachukwu and others for a stay of proceedings, citing  lack of merit.

• Ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to immediately give full effect to the results and the leadership that emerged from the Ibadan Convention.

The judgement emphasizes that this order stands as the operative legal position unless or until a higher court delivers a contrary ruling.

This judgment reinforces the Orders of November 13 and 15, 2025, which initially cleared the path for the elective convention. By dismissing the stay of proceedings, the court has cleared the legal hurdles that previously hampered the newly elected National Working Committee (NWC) from fully assuming their duties.

The court further noted that the stability of the nation’s main opposition party is central to the health of Nigeria’s democracy, and the will of the delegates expressed in Ibadan must be respected.

Today’s decision is being hailed by party supporters as a victory for the rule of law and internal democracy. Party leadership has called on all members, including the plaintiffs, to "sheathe their swords" and work together for the progress of the PDP.

What is now expected is for INEC to immediately, without any iota of delay recognize the Turaki-led NWC in line with the order of Court