JUST IN: Supreme Court Fixes Date to Hear Turaki-Led PDP Faction’s Appeal

The Supreme Court of Nigeria has scheduled April 22, 2026, to hear the legal challenges brought forward by the Kabiru Turaki-led faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

This decision followed a ruling on Tuesday by a five-member panel of the apex court, presided over by Justice Mohammed Garba.

The court’s move aims to address the lingering leadership friction within the main opposition party that has seen various factions battling for control in the corridors of justice.

During the proceedings, the court granted an application for an accelerated hearing of the two appeals. To ensure a swift resolution, the justices approved a departure from the standard court rules and shortened the timeframe for all parties to submit their legal arguments.

Under this new timeline, the respondents have just five days to file their briefs, while the appellants were given two days to respond if necessary.

This fast-tracked approach underscores the urgency the court attaches to the internal dispute threatening the party’s stability.

The legal battle stems from a March 9 judgment by the Court of Appeal which upheld two earlier decisions from the Federal High Court in Abuja. Those initial rulings, delivered by Justices James Omotosho and Peter Lifu, had essentially blocked the PDP from proceeding with its planned national convention on November 15 and 16, 2025.

The high court had insisted that the party must first demonstrate full compliance with the Electoral Act and the 2022 Regulations and Guidelines for Political Parties before such a gathering could be legally recognized.

Prominent party figures and senior legal practitioners were present in court on Tuesday to witness the ruling. The legal team for the Turaki-led faction, led by Chris Uche (SAN) and Paul Erokoro (SAN), successfully argued for the motions that set the April hearing date.

High-profile attendees included the Governor of Oyo State, Seyi Makinde, and the factional leader, Kabiru Turaki. They were joined by former governors Babangida Aliyu of Niger State and Sule Lamido of Jigawa State, alongside party chieftain Taufeek Arapaja, highlighting the high stakes involved in the outcome.