Court of Appeal ruling exacerbates PDP infighting as opposing factions schedule competing Board of Trustees gatherings

The opposition party is currently facing a significant internal challenge, triggered by a recent Court of Appeal ruling that nullified its 2025 national convention, which has led to fresh cracks within the Peoples Democratic Party.

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Party leaders convened in Abuja on Tuesday to discuss the implications of the ruling and determine the party's next steps, following the judgment that upheld the cancellation of the PDP convention held in Ibadan, Oyo State, on November 15 and 16, 2025.

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The ruling has forced the party into urgent talks about its future, with a rival faction already rejecting the Abuja meeting and announcing its own Board of Trustees meeting for Wednesday, further complicating the situation.

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At the expanded Board of Trustees meeting in Abuja on Tuesday, factional BoT Chairman Adolphus Wabara, factional National Chairman Tanimu Turaki, and Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, who spoke on behalf of PDP governors, addressed party leaders on the court ruling and its implications for the party.

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Wabara emphasized the need for the party to find a solution and respect the law, stating that the judgment presents an opportunity for the party to begin again, and urged party members to remain open-minded as they search for a way forward.

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He also reflected on the legacy of late former Vice President Alex Ekwueme, one of the founding figures of the party, and noted that the party must work in accordance with the Constitution and the rule of law to avoid going wrong.

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Turaki, in his remarks, noted that the developments within the party had raised concerns beyond PDP members, with Nigerians worried about the implications of the ruling on the country's democracy.

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He thanked the state chairmen of the party for ensuring that the e-registration process was ongoing without any issues, and also expressed gratitude to the governors for their support, describing them as the "last man standing" who have been providing uncommon support to the party.

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Makinde, speaking on behalf of the governors, acknowledged that the party was going through a difficult moment, not just for the PDP but also for democracy in Nigeria, and urged party leaders to be conscious of the role they play in this period.

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Makinde also expressed hope that the situation would eventually pass, quoting scripture to emphasize that "weeping may endure for the night, but in the morning, joy cometh".

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Meanwhile, a faction loyal to Nyesom Wike has dismissed the meeting and announced its own BoT meeting, scheduled for Wednesday, March 11, at 2 p.m. at 1 Sabo Ago Street, LifeCamp, Abuja.

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The notice, signed by former senator Mao Ohuabunwa, invited members of the BoT to the meeting and warned non-members to stay away, stating that only accredited BoT members would be allowed into the meeting venue.

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The notice also stated that the BoT was recognized by the Abdulrahman/Anyanwu-led National Caretaker Working Committee, following a Federal High Court decision and its affirmation by the Court of Appeal in Abuja, and instructed members to ignore any other notice purporting to call for a BoT meeting.

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As the situation continues to unfold, all eyes remain on the party's next move, with the outcome of the meetings and discussions likely to have significant implications for the party's future.