NEWS
Court of Appeal Affirms PDP Leadership, Upholds Dismissal of Wabara-Led BoT’s Suit
The Court of Appeal has unanimously reaffirmed the leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), upholding an earlier judgment of the Federal High Court in Abuja that dismissed a suit instituted by a group of party stakeholders led by Senator Adolphus Wabara, in another major development in the party’s prolonged leadership crisis.
The appellate court delivered its judgment on Wednesday, November 4, 2026, affirming the decision of the lower court, which had dismissed the suit filed by the purported Board of Trustees (BoT) led by Wabara, alongside Professor Jerry Gana, former Niger State Governor Babangida Muazu Aliyu, Maryam Inna Ciroma and other individuals.
The appellants were reportedly operating alongside what the PDP described as an illegal Interim National Working Committee headed by Kabiru Tanimu Turaki, SAN.
In a unanimous and unequivocal decision, the Court of Appeal dismissed the appeal and further awarded additional costs against the appellants, reinforcing the earlier judicial pronouncement on the dispute.
Reacting to the judgment, the PDP described the development as a significant victory for the party, the rule of law and the supremacy of its constitution.
In a press release issued on Wednesday and signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Hon. Jungudo Haruna Mohammed, the party maintained that the ruling had further strengthened the legitimacy of its National Working Committee led by Alhaji Abdulrahman Mohammed as National Chairman and Senator Samuel N. Anyanwu as National Secretary.
The party insisted that the two officials constitute its authentic recognised leadership, adding that the latest judgment should put an end to lingering controversies and doubts surrounding the legitimacy of its leadership structure.
According to the PDP, the court’s decision sends a strong message that the administration and internal affairs of the party must be guided by its constitution, established procedures and respect for the rule of law.
The party also called on its members, leaders and stakeholders across the country to accept the judicial pronouncement, put aside their differences and redirect their attention towards rebuilding the party.
It urged stakeholders to strengthen internal cohesion, promote unity and begin preparations for the political challenges and responsibilities ahead, warning against unnecessary distractions, factional interests and divisive tendencies.
The PDP stressed that the priority at this critical moment should be the protection of the party’s institutional identity, restoration of unity and repositioning of the opposition party as a credible political alternative for Nigerians.
Describing the judgment as more than an ordinary legal victory, the party said the outcome represented a triumph for constitutional order, legitimate leadership and collective unity.
The latest ruling comes amid persistent leadership disagreements and factional tensions that have continued to challenge the PDP’s internal stability and political direction.
With the Court of Appeal’s unanimous affirmation of the Federal High Court’s decision, the party leadership believes a significant legal hurdle has been cleared, creating an opportunity for its members to close ranks and concentrate on rebuilding the party ahead of future political contests.
The PDP concluded by congratulating its recognised leadership and members, declaring that the party was moving forward stronger and more united.