The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) faction led by Kabiru Turaki has vowed to take its legal fight to the Supreme Court after the Court of Appeal in Abuja dismissed its appeal.
The appeal challenged the October 31 judgment by Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court, Abuja, which restrained the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from recognising the outcome of the PDP’s national convention that held in Ibadan, Oyo State, on November 15 and 16, 2025.
In a unanimous ruling, a three-member panel of the appellate court resolved all four issues raised by the PDP against it. The court held that the appeal was without merit and affirmed that the Federal High Court was correct to grant all the reliefs sought by the plaintiffs.
The court rejected the PDP’s claim that the trial court lacked jurisdiction, stating that the plaintiffs had the right (locus standi) to bring the case to protect their democratic rights. It also dismissed the party’s argument that it had been denied a fair hearing.
Additionally, the court awarded N2 million as costs against the Turaki-led faction for filing what it described as a frivolous appeal. The court said it would hear other judgments and rulings involving the party at a later date.
The Turaki-led faction, through its spokesperson Comrade Ini Ememobong, said: “The battle is not over yet. We have instructed our lawyers to immediately take legal steps to appeal to the Supreme Court—being the apex court in the land; to conclusively adjudicate on this matter. We are hopeful that the apex court will expeditiously settle this matter in the interest of democracy.”
The faction also urged its members to remain steadfast: “We urge our members to stand firm, trusting that soon this battle will be over and we shall be more than conquerors. The battle to rescue our party from the hands of government agents masquerading as opposition leaders must be fought, and we are determined to do so and win.”
Some PDP leaders from both sides were present in court as the appellate court delivered its judgment on Monday.
