By Johnson Eyiangho, Mike Odiakose and Laide Akinboade, Abuja

The leadership crisis rocking the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) deepened yesterday as the Court of Appeal in Abuja affirmed the nullification of the party’s controversial national convention held in Ibadan, Oyo State, even as the Taminu Turaki-led faction announced plans to challenge the judgment at the Supreme Court.

In a unanimous decision, a three-member panel of the appellate court led by Justice Mohammed Danjuma upheld an earlier judgment of the Federal High Court delivered by Justice James Omotosho, which restrained the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from recognising the outcome of the November 15–16, 2025 convention.

The appellate court ruled that the PDP failed to comply with statutory requirements before proceeding with the convention that produced a factional leadership headed by Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Taminu Turaki, as National Chairman.

The court also upheld the suspension of the party’s former National Secretary, Senator Samuel Anyanwu; National Legal Adviser, Kamaldeen Ajibade; Deputy Legal Adviser, Okechukwu Osuoha; and National Organising Secretary, Umaru Bature.

Justice Omotosho had earlier ruled that the party violated its constitution and the Electoral Act by failing to conduct valid state congresses in 14 states prior to the convention, thereby making it impossible to produce legitimate delegates.

The court further held that notices for the convention were invalid as they were signed only by the National Chairman without the endorsement of the National Secretary, rendering the process legally defective.

Consequently, the appellate court dismissed the appeal marked CA/ABJ/CV/1613/2025 filed by the Turaki-led faction, affirming that the lower court properly assumed jurisdiction since the case involved compliance with the Electoral Act, the 1999 Constitution and INEC guidelines.

However, reacting to the judgment, the Kabiru Turaki-led faction of the PDP said it had instructed its lawyers to immediately approach the Supreme Court to seek a final determination of the dispute.

In a statement issued in Abuja by the faction’s spokesman, Ini Ememobong, the group said appealing to the apex court was necessary to conclusively resolve the matter in the interest of the party and democracy.

“The operationalisation of the Appeal Court judgment will, without fail, work untold hardship on our members. However, we urge our members to stand firm, trusting that soon this battle will be over and we shall be more than conquerors,” the statement said.

The faction also accused “government agents masquerading as opposition leaders” of attempting to destabilise the party, insisting it remained determined to reclaim the PDP.

Meanwhile, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, welcomed the appellate court’s ruling, describing it as a victory for due process and the rule of law.

Speaking with journalists in Abuja, Wike said the judgment vindicated his earlier warning that the convention would be nullified for failing to comply with constitutional and electoral provisions.

“Today is one of my happiest days because we must always abide by the rules. As an opposition party, we should not condone impunity. We must follow due process and allow the rule of law to prevail,” he said.

The former Rivers State governor urged members of the party to put aside their differences and rebuild the PDP ahead of upcoming political activities.

According to him, the ruling provides an opportunity for reconciliation within the party rather than further litigation.

“Leave your ego and personal interests. Come back and let us sit down and see how we can salvage the party. If you continue to fight or go to the Supreme Court, it will not help the party,” he said.

Wike added that preparations were ongoing for another national convention scheduled for March 29–30 to elect a new leadership for the party.

Political observers say the latest legal battle and internal divisions could further complicate the PDP’s efforts to reposition itself as a formidable opposition party ahead of future elections.

As debates over Nigeria’s political future intensify, a chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ogun State, Otunba Segun Sowunmi, has weighed in on issues ranging from party loyalty and national development to generational leadership and presidential ambition.
In this wide-ranging interview, Sowunmi addresses questions about his continued membership of the PDP, his civic platform, The Alternative, and his approach to constructive political engagement across party lines.

MIKE ODIAKOSE reports that he also spoke candidly about leadership rotation, party defections, and the need to strengthen democratic institutions.
Significantly, Sowunmi highlights Prince Adewole Adebayo as one of the emerging figures Nigerians should seriously consider in conversations about generational renewal. While acknowledging the structural realities of Nigeria’s political landscape, he argues that the country must deliberately create space for credible, prepared and ideologically driven leaders capable of shaping its next chapter. Excerpts:

You are still in PDP, you run the Alternative platform, and yet you openly acknowledge some of President Tinubu’s policies. Some say you are confused or using the platform as a bargaining chip. Are you still in PDP?

It is unfortunate what is happening within the PDP, but political parties go through phases. For those of us who remain, we must be realistic and responsible.
Acknowledging good policies is not the same as defecting or endorsing a government wholesale. If the government embarks on projects like the coastal road or the Sokoto–Badagry road, should we pretend not to see their long-term implications? Such infrastructure benefits future generations.
If local government autonomy is strengthened, if conversations about state police become serious, if subsidy removal blocks leakages and ensures fuel availability—should we not objectively assess those policies? Politics should not blind us to national interest.
I am not confused. I believe in constructive engagement—criticising when necessary and acknowledging progress when it occurs. Democracy must move beyond mere change of faces every four years; it must produce real development.
I created The Alternative so we can begin to think differently. We cannot keep saying everything is bad and offer no hope. Let us look for the best among us—not only for the presidency, but for councillors, legislators, governors and all positions of responsibility.

Some allege that the Alternative Platform was created as a bargaining chip.

The Alternative is not a bargaining chip; it is a reorientation platform. It is meant to encourage Nigerians to participate actively in politics and to vote responsibly.
If you do not vote, you have voted against all of us. I want citizens to scrutinise candidates carefully and stop recycling the same political actors without accountability.
Criticise your leaders, yes—but do not hate your country. We must stop waking up daily to curse Nigeria. The platform is about hope, responsibility, and ensuring that the best among us lead the rest of us.

With many heavyweights leaving the PDP, why are you still in the party?

Democracy requires viable alternatives. If opposition collapses into one dominant party, democracy suffers.
Defections do not erase grassroots support. The PDP still has structure and roots. Political power is not eternal; those ruling today will not rule forever. Our duty is to articulate alternatives, criticise where necessary, praise where appropriate, and build consensus for national progress.

You were close to Atiku Abubakar, but he has moved on politically. Have you parted ways?

I supported and campaigned for him, but I am not someone who moves from party to party. Stability matters to me.
Politics should also respect principles like rotation and generational renewal. In a diverse country like Nigeria, leadership cannot always revolve around one individual’s ambition.

What would you say about your friend Adebayo contesting the presidency?

People like Adebayo fit into the category of giving younger leaders a chance. He represents a new generation that is intellectually prepared and ideologically driven.
However, Nigeria is a multi-religious and multicultural country. Issues such as rotation and regional balance must always be considered. We must be sensitive to those realities.

Does Adebayo stand a real chance?

Electoral success depends on party structure, national spread and political organisation. Running on a smaller platform presents challenges.
But the larger issue is this: Nigeria must create room for credible alternatives. Prepared minds should not be ignored. If Nigerians truly want renewal, they must be willing to support capable new-generation leaders when they emerge.

The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr. Adegboyega Oyetola, says President Bola Tinubu needs a second term to complete ongoing reforms and stabilize Nigeria’s economy.

Oyetola, leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun, said continuity was crucial at this stage of national development.

In a statement on Sunday by his Special Adviser on Media, Dr Bolaji Akinola, Oyetola said the President required more time to further deliver democratic dividends.

Recall that on Feb. 14, 2026, Oyetola led the Osun APC to endorse Tinubu at a reception in Osogbo.

According to him, the endorsement followed a careful assessment of the administration’s performance and reform agenda.

“Continuity is crucial at this stage of Nigeria’s development.

“A second term will enable the President to consolidate ongoing reforms, complete major infrastructure projects and fully stabilise the economy.

“President Tinubu has demonstrated courage, capacity and commitment to reposition Nigeria.

“What he needs now is time to complete the good job he has started,” Oyetola said.

He said Tinubu took difficult but necessary decisions at the beginning of his tenure to rescue the economy.

“President Tinubu took courageous and necessary decisions at the outset of his administration to rescue Nigeria’s economy from the brink of collapse.

“These bold fiscal and monetary reforms were not easy, but they were inevitable to stabilise the system and restore confidence.

“Today, we are witnessing improved revenue generation, greater transparency in public finance and renewed investor confidence in our economy,” he said.

Oyetola noted that infrastructure development remained central to the administration’s strategy.

“The President has prioritised massive investments in roads, rail, ports and energy infrastructure across the country.

“These strategic projects are expanding economic opportunities, enhancing connectivity and stimulating job creation nationwide.

“They are laying a solid foundation for sustainable growth and long-term national development,” he said.

The minister also commended the President’s social welfare initiatives.

“While pursuing reforms, the administration has not lost sight of the welfare of ordinary Nigerians.

“Through targeted intervention programmes, student loan initiatives and support for small and medium-sized enterprises, the government is cushioning reform impacts.

“This demonstrates that the President is not only reform-minded but also compassionate and people-focused,” he said.

Oyetola added that security coordination had improved under Tinubu’s leadership.

He said increased support for law enforcement was strengthening national stability.

The minister assured that APC members in Osun were fully aligned behind Tinubu’s re-election bid.

Oyetola also expressed confidence that the APC governorship candidate, Asiwaju Bola Oyebamiji, would win the Aug. 15 election in the state.