ABUJA, NIGERIA — The Supreme Court has dismissed the appeal filed by the Peoples Democratic Party, ruling that it lacked merit and constituted an abuse of court process.
The apex court delivered the judgment in a split decision of three to two, affirming earlier rulings by lower courts on the dispute surrounding the party’s convention.
In the lead judgment, Justice John Ada held that the PDP’s failure to comply with an earlier order of the Federal High Court was a critical factor that undermined its appeal.
The court noted that the Federal High Court had restrained the party from conducting its Ibadan convention in November 2025 pending the resolution of the matter.
Despite the subsisting order, the PDP proceeded with actions related to the convention, which the Supreme Court described as a clear act of disobedience to judicial authority.
The justices ruled that such conduct was fatal to the party’s case, emphasizing that respect for court orders is fundamental to the rule of law.
Consequently, the apex court dismissed the appeal in its entirety, effectively upholding the decisions of the trial and intermediate courts.
In a dissenting opinion, Justice Simon Tsammani disagreed with the majority ruling and upheld the appeal filed by the PDP.
The case originated from a suit filed by Sule Lamido, a former governor of Jigawa State, at the Federal High Court in Abuja.
The trial court had earlier ordered the PDP to suspend its convention plans, sell a chairmanship nomination form to Lamido, and then proceed with the convention in accordance with due process.
However, the Supreme Court criticized what it described as “flagrant disobedience” of court orders by the party, as well as alleged attempts at forum shopping during the legal proceedings.
The ruling reinforced the judiciary’s position that compliance with court directives is not optional but mandatory for all individuals and institutions.
Legal analysts say the judgment underscores the importance of adherence to due process, particularly in politically sensitive matters involving party leadership and internal governance.
They also note that the split decision reflects differing judicial interpretations but ultimately affirms the authority of court orders in maintaining institutional discipline.
The outcome is expected to have implications for internal party processes within the PDP, especially regarding how future conventions and leadership contests are conducted.
As reactions continue to emerge, the judgment stands as a strong reminder of the consequences of disregarding court orders within Nigeria’s legal and political system.
