In a decisive ruling on Thursday, the Supreme Court nullified the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) national convention held in Ibadan, Oyo State, deepening the internal crisis within the opposition party.
Delivering a split decision, the five-member panel of the Supreme Court sustained the rulings of the lower courts that voided the convention and dismissed the appeal by a faction headed by former Minister of Special Duties, Tanimu Turaki (SAN).
Justice Stephen Adah held that the organisers went ahead with the convention in violation of a subsisting order of the Federal High Court restraining the exercise until full compliance with judicial directives.
The court noted that the disobedience of the order was not in dispute, adding that the conduct of the appellants posed a threat to the administration of justice.
Consequently, the apex court dismissed the appeal and cross-appeals and ordered all parties to bear their respective costs.
The dispute stemmed from the controversial Ibadan convention held despite ongoing legal restrictions and unresolved disagreements over party congresses in several states. Aggrieved members had earlier approached the Federal High Court in Abuja, arguing that the organisers failed to comply with provisions of the Electoral Act and the PDP constitution.
Although the court restrained the party from proceeding with the convention, it was still conducted, resulting in the emergence of a factional leadership and triggering further legal battles.
In its ruling, the Supreme Court condemned what it described as attempts to undermine judicial authority by obtaining conflicting orders from courts of coordinate jurisdiction.
Justice Adah noted that instead of obeying the Federal High Court order or pursuing proper legal remedies, the appellants allegedly approached another court in Ibadan to secure orders that enabled the convention to proceed.
The apex court described the action as an abuse of court process and warned that disregard for judicial orders by political actors undermines constitutional democracy and the rule of law.
The Court of Appeal had earlier affirmed the Federal High Court’s decision, holding that the convention was conducted in violation of subsisting orders and established legal procedures.
Dissatisfied with the ruling, the Turaki-led faction approached the Supreme Court seeking to overturn the lower court judgments and validate the convention, but the apex court rejected all reliefs.
The Supreme Court had reserved judgment in the matter after hearing arguments on April 22 before delivering its final decision on Thursday.
