PDP Crisis Deepens As Appeal Court Advises Party Factions To Resolve Dispute Through Out-of-Court Settlement
The ongoing leadership crisis within the (PDP) took a new turn as the urged the contending factions in the party to explore an out-of-court settlement to resolve their dispute.
The appellate court, sitting in Ibadan, gave the advice while hearing appeals arising from conflicting judgments over the disputed PDP convention held in Ibadan, Oyo State.
During the proceedings, the presiding judge, , described the internal dispute within the party as a “family affair that has gone sour,” urging the parties involved to settle their differences amicably instead of prolonging litigation.
The legal tussle stems from earlier rulings delivered by different courts. A Federal High Court sitting in Ibadan had previously nullified the outcome of the PDP convention conducted in November 2025. However, a separate ruling by the Oyo State High Court upheld the validity of the same convention, stating that it complied with the party’s constitution and relevant provisions of the Electoral Act.
The conflicting judgments triggered multiple appeals by rival factions within the PDP, deepening the internal crisis that has continued to affect the party’s leadership structure.
In its intervention, the Court of Appeal advised the parties to meet with their lawyers and negotiate a possible settlement outside the courtroom. The court noted that any agreement reached by the factions could be presented before the court and adopted as a consent judgment.
The matter was subsequently adjourned to allow time for both parties to attempt reconciliation. The court also warned that if no agreement is reached, it may proceed with hearing the appeal or consolidate related cases in Abuja for a final determination.
The development comes amid ongoing efforts by stakeholders within the PDP to resolve the leadership dispute and restore unity within one of Nigeria’s major opposition parties.
