Supreme Court Ruling: Micheal Ogunsina Rules Out Reconciliation

The Supreme Court of Nigeria has delivered a definitive judgment, voiding the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) national convention held in Ibadan, Oyo State, on November 15 and 16, 2025. The apex court’s ruling brings an end to the prolonged legal battle surrounding the legitimacy of the factional national executives led by Tanimu Turaki, SAN.

The Ibadan convention had been the subject of intense litigation since the exercise was conducted despite subsisting court orders restraining the party from proceeding with the gathering. A Federal High Court had earlier barred the convention, citing constitutional breaches of the party’s guidelines, the exclusion of certain aspirants, and a failure to comply with due process. The Court of Appeal subsequently upheld the lower court’s decision, affirming that the exercise was held in violation of valid judicial pronouncements and could not stand.

Dissatisfied with the concurrent judgments, the Turaki-led faction appealed to the apex court. In its verdict, the Supreme Court dismissed the appeal and affirmed the lower court rulings, declaring all outcomes of the convention null and void.

Reacting to the development during an appearance on Dominion Television’s Politic Explained, the party’s State Publicity Secretary, Michael Ogunsina, asserted that the judicial outcome reinforces the supremacy of the party’s legitimate organs and sets a strict legal standard for internal party discipline.

“When you look at the position of the Supreme Court, the decision is clear: their actions are a nullity, Reconciliation is no longer on the table from this angle,” Ogunsina declared during the broadcast.

Ogunsina expressed strong support for the provisions in the Electoral Act which designate internal political party matters as largely non-justiciable, asserting that the judiciary’s stance acts to prevent unnecessary internal distractions. He assured members that the statutory organs—specifically the Board of Trustees (BoT) and the National Executive Committee (NEC)—remain the lifeblood of the party and will convene in the coming days to provide meaningful leadership and direction.

Addressing broader national concerns on the program, Ogunsina also criticized the current federal administration’s handling of the economy and security. He reiterated that the PDP remains unified in prioritizing the national interest as the nation prepares for future electoral engagements.