The political tug-of-war between Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde and FCT Minister Nyesom Wike reached a decisive legal milestone today, as an Oyo State High Court formally validated the November 15, 2025, PDP National Convention held in Ibadan.
In a judgment delivered Friday at Court 5, Justice Ladiran Akintola dismissed challenges to the exercise, effectively cementing the legitimacy of the Dr. Taminu Turaki-led National Working Committee (NWC) that emerged from the Ibadan gathering.
The ruling followed an application for joinder, after which Justice Akintola granted all 13 reliefs sought by the claimant, Folahan Malomo Adelabi. Represented by lead counsel Musbau Adetunmbi (SAN), the claimant argued successfully that the convention complied with the party’s constitution and internal democratic processes.
By validating the convention, the court has provided a significant legal shield for the Makinde-backed faction of the party, which has consistently advocated for the “Ibadan Mandate” as the path forward for the embattled People’s Democratic Party.
Shift in Power Dynamics
This judicial stamp of authority is a major blow to the opposing camp, largely aligned with Nyesom Wike, which had previously questioned the legality of the November 15 exercise.