KEY POINTS

• Kabiru Turaki has been appointed interim chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party to lead a new 13-member committee.
• The move follows a Supreme Court of Nigeria ruling that voided the party’s 2025 national convention over legal violations.
• Internal disputes and legal battles continue to threaten the party’s unity and future political strength.

The Peoples Democratic Party has appointed Kabiru Turaki as the chairman of its interim National Working Committee (NWC), a move backed by Seyi Makinde.

The decision was reached during the party’s 103rd National Executive Committee meeting held in Abuja, where Turaki was selected to lead a 13-member committee tasked with steering the party through its ongoing leadership crisis. The formation of this interim leadership reflects efforts by key stakeholders to stabilise the party amid internal disputes and legal setbacks.

The emergence of the interim committee follows a major ruling by the Supreme Court of Nigeria, which invalidated the PDP’s national convention held in November 2025. The court ruled that the convention, which produced Turaki as national chairman, was conducted in violation of an earlier order issued by the Federal High Court.

The judgment emphasised that the party proceeded with the convention despite being restrained, describing the action as a disregard for due process and a misuse of the judicial system.

Legal Battle Rooted in Internal Party Dispute

The legal tussle originated from a suit filed by Sule Lamido, who challenged the process leading to the convention, claiming he was unfairly denied the opportunity to contest for the chairmanship position.

The Federal High Court initially restrained the party from conducting the convention, a decision later upheld by the Court of Appeal. However, a faction within the party went ahead with the exercise, prompting further legal action that eventually culminated in the Supreme Court’s dismissal of their appeal.

Following the court’s decision, the party’s Board of Trustees, led by Adolphus Wabara, announced that it had assumed leadership responsibilities to guide the party through the crisis. The appointment of the interim National Working Committee is seen as part of broader efforts to restore order, rebuild internal cohesion, and reposition the party ahead of future electoral contests, particularly as political realignments intensify across the country.

Despite the formation of the interim leadership, the PDP continues to grapple with deep internal divisions that could affect its political strength. Observers note that unresolved grievances, factional loyalties, and ongoing legal disputes may continue to challenge the party’s unity, raising concerns about its preparedness for upcoming elections and its ability to present a strong opposition front.