Nigeria’s Supreme Court has approved an accelerated hearing of appeals filed by the Kabiru Turaki-led faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), fixing April 22, 2026, for the substantive hearing.
Gatekeepers News reports that the decision followed a request by the faction seeking urgent determination of the case, citing the need to meet key deadlines set by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) ahead of the 2027 general elections.
A five-member panel of the apex court granted the application for expedited hearing and shortened the time for all parties to file their legal briefs. The court directed respondents to submit their responses within five days, while the appellants were given a shorter window to reply, ensuring proceedings are concluded before the scheduled date.
The appeals stem from earlier rulings by the Federal High Court and the Court of Appeal, which nullified the PDP’s Ibadan national convention held in November 2025. The convention had produced the Turaki-led factional leadership, but courts ruled it violated legal and procedural requirements.
The case also reflects a deeper internal crisis within the PDP, with rival factions including one aligned with the Minister of Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, laying claim to the party’s leadership.
With the April 22 hearing, Supreme Court is expected to deliver a decisive ruling that could determine the legitimate leadership of the opposition party and shape its preparedness for upcoming elections.
