(DDM) – Nigeria’s main opposition party faces fresh uncertainty as multiple court battles threaten its internal stability.
Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) learned that the latest appellate proceedings have intensified the struggle for control within the Peoples Democratic Party.
A sitting of the Court of Appeal in Abuja reserved judgment on nine separate appeals linked to the dispute.
A three-member panel fixed no date but promised to notify all parties when decisions are ready.
Lawyers representing rival factions formally adopted their written arguments before the panel.
They also presented final oral submissions to persuade the justices.
The appeals challenge earlier rulings of the Federal High Court in the Federal Capital Territory.
Those rulings addressed the legality of a controversial party convention.
The internal crisis has split the party into two powerful camps.
One camp follows Saminu Turaki, who claims authority as national chairman.
The other camp recognizes caretaker leadership under Abdulrahman Mohammed.
The dispute has produced months of litigation and political tension.
Turaki insists that his election at the Ibadan convention remains valid.
Opponents argue that the exercise violated party rules and court orders.
The crisis has already drawn in the Independent National Electoral Commission.
The commission recently engaged Mohammed and Samuel Anyanwu in official consultations.
Observers say that move signaled provisional recognition.
Earlier judgments restrained the party from holding the disputed convention.
James Omotosho issued one of the restraining orders.
Peter Lifu delivered another related ruling.
A separate decision from Joyce Abdulmalik also shaped the legal landscape.
Aggrieved party officials had approached the courts to halt the process.
They argued that leaders ignored constitutional requirements.
Former governor Sule Lamido also sued after alleging exclusion from the chairmanship race.
Senior Advocate Chris Uche urged the appellate court to overturn the lower court rulings.
He maintained that his clients followed lawful procedures.
Opposing counsel Joseph Daudu asked the court to uphold the judgments.
He argued that the convention clearly breached legal provisions.
Proceedings lasted nearly ten hours due to the number of appeals.
Legal analysts say the volume shows how divided the party has become.
Many party members now fear prolonged damage before 2027 elections.
Some stakeholders warn that unresolved leadership fights weaken opposition politics.
Others believe court clarity could restore order.
Citizens continue watching the judiciary for direction.
The final rulings may determine who controls party structures nationwide.
The outcome could also influence alliances ahead of future polls.
For now, the PDP remains locked in a high-stakes legal contest.
Nigeria’s political landscape waits for the appellate court’s verdict.
