The Pathfinder
Thursday March 12, 2026
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An Appeal Court sitting in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, which heard the suit on the Ibadan convention, advised the two camps to resolve their conflict amicably after adjourning the case brought before it by party chieftains indefinitely.
Justice Biobele Georgewill, who presided over the three-man panel, directed the party’s attention to the urgency of conflict resolution.
He added that the PDP should be mindful of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) regulations and guidelines on next year’s elections.
The INEC guidelines stipulate that primaries to pick candidates by parties should be held and concluded between April 23 and May 30.
Since the Court of Appeal voided the controversial Ibadan national convention, the two factions have held meetings to determine their next line of action.
Justice Georgewill urged the parties, represented by their various counsels, to be mindful of the INEC timetable for the 2027 general election.
He advised the party to embrace peaceful resolution of conflict in the interest of unity.
After counsel announced appearances when the matter came up, the judge asked each of the parties whether they were willing and open to settling the matter.
All the counsel answered in the affirmative.
Justice Georgewill expressed delight at the efforts geared towards resolving the conflict, describing it as a family affair.
He said: “Also, the case has been adjourned sine die to allow all the parties to meet for reconciliation.
“The court should be duly informed through writing of the decision reached, whether they agreed or disagreed on the terms of settlement.
“To this end, all the pending motions on notice on this case have been adjourned sine die.”
Meanwhile, the Board of Trustees (BoT) of the Turaki-led PDP) has constituted a special committee to interface with the party’s legal team and stakeholders to foster internal reconciliation.
The BoT disclosed this in a communiqué issued on Wednesday in Abuja, at the end of its two-day expanded emergency meeting, presided over by the board chairman, Sen. Adolphus Wabara.
According to the communiqué, the special committee is to address the leadership crisis following the March 9 judgement of the Court of Appeal as well as to help enable the party to field candidates for the 2026 general elections.
The communiqué also stated that while the PDP BoT disagreed with the appellate court’s judgement which invalidated the Ibadan Convention, it was awaiting formal advice from its lawyers on the way forward.
It expressed concern over the avoidable internal leadership disputes and wrangling that led to damaging litigations, noting their detrimental effect on the unity of the main opposition party.
”The board, however, acknowledges and resolves to explore the window provided by the Court of Appeal, Ibadan Division, for reconciliation within the party.
”The BoT is conscious of the interests and aspirations of our members who are desirous of contesting various positions in the 2027 general elections.
”As the conscience and third-highest leadership organ of the party, the board is resolved to take immediate steps to reconcile all stakeholders, end all disputes, and restore the party to good political health,” the communiqué said.
The communiqué also acknowledged the loyalty of Nigerians to the party, citing the ongoing nationwide e-registration exercise.
It noted that field reports indicated a daily surge in registration, with members joining ”in their millions”.
”The unprecedented surge to our party, in spite of the challenges, underscores the standing of the PDP as the party of choice for the majority of Nigerians ahead of the 2027 elections,” it said.
It added that the board therefore calls on all leaders and members to jettison personal and group interests and unite as one family in the overall interest of the party.
It announced that pursuant to Section 32 of the PDP Constitution (as amended in 2017), the party had unanimously approved the appointment of Dr Babangida Aliyu as the Secretary of the Board.
It also said that the board commended Gov. Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State and Gov. Seyi Makinde of Oyo State for their commitment and steadfastness toward the party’s stability.
It further urged Nigerians to remain hopeful, stating that the PDP was working hard to reposition itself to ”rescue the nation” (NAN).
The Sam Ohunabuwa-led BoT of the Wike group called for unity and advised the Makinde faction against proceeding to the Supreme Court on appeal.
It insisted that the plan for congresses, convention and other activities will go on.
Wike listed the conditions for reconciliation as:
•Transparency
•Sincerity of intention
•Recognition of the caretaker committee as the dominant force
•Sanctity of congresses, convention, presidential primary dates
•No tampering with caretaker committee
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