The Federal High Court sitting in Akure, Ondo State capital, on Thursday stopped the purported ambition of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa to contest for a second term in office in 2028.

A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress in the state, Dr Akin Egbuwalo, had filed a suit at the court seeking the interpretation of Section 137(3) of the Constitution regarding the eligibility of Aiyedatiwa and his deputy, Dr Olayide Adelami, to contest for a second term.

The suit had the Independent National Electoral Commission, the Ondo State Attorney General, the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Aiyedatiwa, Adelami, and the APC as defendants.

In a judgment delivered by Justice Toyin Adegoke, the court held that Aiyedatiwa would be ineligible to stand for election in 2028, having been sworn in on December 27, 2023, to complete the tenure of the late Governor Rotimi Akeredolu, and subsequently inaugurated on February 24, 2025, after winning the November 16, 2024, governorship election.

The judge declared that the 1999 Constitution, as amended, did not provide for a situation where an elected president, vice president, governor, or deputy would serve more than eight years in office, citing the Supreme Court’s decision in Marwa v. Nyako.

The court ruled that the suit was not speculative or academic, emphasising that it had inherent jurisdiction to interpret any section of the constitution, being a creation of law and duty-bound to uphold it at all times.

Justice Adegoke also held that the processes of the third to fifth defendants were deemed abandoned, having failed to participate during the hearing of the suit, and that only the processes of the plaintiff and first and second defendants would be considered.

“If the third defendant is allowed to contest and serve another four years, that will be against the position of the law in Marwa v. Nyako, where the Supreme Court held that a president or governor cannot serve beyond eight years,” the court ruled.

The court’s verdict also stated that it found “merit in the case of the plaintiff and consequently granted all the reliefs sought.”

The PUNCH reported that on Monday, March 9, 2026, the Court of Appeal in Abuja dismissed an appeal filed by Aiyedatiwa, challenging a ruling of the Akure Federal High Court in the suit questioning his eligibility to contest the next governorship election in the state.

In a unanimous judgment delivered by a three-member panel, the appellate court held that the trial court properly exercised its discretion when it granted an application by the plaintiff, Dr Egbuwalo, to amend his originating summons in the case.

Justice Uchechukwu Onyemenam, who read the lead judgment, ruled that Aiyedatiwa failed to show that the Federal High Court’s decision to allow the amendment occasioned any miscarriage of justice or denied him the right to a fair hearing.

Aiyedatiwa was first sworn in as governor on December 27, 2023, after the late Governor Rotimi Akeredolu died.

He was again sworn in as governor on February 24, 2025, having won the November governorship election in the state.

In his first anniversary interview, Aiyedatiwa stressed that only the Supreme Court would stop him from re-contesting the governorship in 2028.

With the defeat in the Federal High Court, Akure, the governor may consider an appeal of the judgment.

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In a development likely to shape the future of the Peoples Democratic Party ahead of the 2027 elections, Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, and the party’s Board of Trustees have endorsed a Court of Appeal-backed reconciliation accord with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike’s camp.

Senior party leaders, speaking on condition of anonymity because they were not authorised to comment on the issue, revealed that the Chairman of the PDP Governors Forum, Bauchi State Governor Senator Bala, rejected the reconciliation initiative, insisting he could not work with the Wike camp.

Earlier, the PDP governors had endorsed the Ibadan convention held on November 15, which elected Tanimu Turaki (SAN) and other members of the National Working Committee for a four-year term.

They also oversaw the handover of leadership from former Acting National Chairman, Umar Damagum, to Turaki before Damagum’s tenure ended on December 9, 2025.

However, a faction loyal to Wike formed a 13-member Caretaker Committee on December 8, 2025, appointing Mohammed Abdulrahman as Acting National Chairman and Senator Samuel Anyanwu as Acting National Secretary, among others, with a 60-day mandate.

Attempts by both the Wike-aligned faction and the governors’ group to hold meetings at the PDP National Secretariat in Wadata Plaza on November 18, 2025, descended into chaos, resulting in disorder and physical confrontations.

The Nigeria Police Force subsequently sealed the secretariat, which has remained closed ever since.

Both factions then sought recognition from the Independent National Electoral Commission, but the commission declined to recognise either group, triggering prolonged legal disputes as preparations for the 2027 general elections gained momentum.

On February 12, the Court of Appeal heard all consolidated cases related to the PDP leadership crisis, delivering its judgment on March 9.

In a ruling by a panel led by Justice Mohammed Danjuma, the court upheld the Federal High Court of Abuja’s earlier decision, which found that the processes that produced the governors-backed Ibadan National Convention of November 15–16, 2025, violated the Electoral Act, the Nigerian Constitution and the PDP Constitution.

Consequently, the appellate court nullified the convention’s outcome, declaring the election of Turaki and other members of the NWC invalid.

Also, Justice Biobele Georgewill, leading a three-member panel of the Court of Appeal sitting in Ibadan, Oyo State, on Wednesday, granted all parties involved in the PDP elective convention case permission to pursue a settlement.

The matter was adjourned sine die, based on the agreement of the counsel for both sides to proceed with the settlement process.

Justice Georgewill advised the lawyers representing all parties to prioritise a peaceful resolution in the best interest of the party.

Previously, Justice Ladiran Akintola of the Oyo State High Court in Ibadan had validated the PDP convention held in Ibadan.

The case was filed by Folahan Adelabi and was represented byMusibau Adetunmbi (SAN).

At Wednesday’s sitting, Justice Georgewill also urged the parties to be mindful of INEC’s timetable ahead of the 2027 general elections.

He said, “The Court has granted leave for settlement in this matter. Also, the case has been adjourned sine die in order to give all the parties the opportunity to meet, either individually or collectively, on how to resolve the case pending before the Appellate Court peacefully.

“All the parties involved should be mindful of the election timetable as released by INEC. The counsel of the various parties being represented here are in the best position to advise the parties they are representing.

“The court should be duly informed in writing of the decision reached, whether they agreed or disagreed on the terms of settlement. To this end, all the pending Motions on Notice in this case have been adjourned sine die.”

Meanwhile, all the lawyers, in their submissions, expressed agreement with the court’s stance on the matter.

Speaking to reporters, Sunday Ibrahim (SAN), representing the other counsel, said the parties have indicated their readiness to reach a settlement.

“On that note, we make no further comment because the same may prejudice the envisioned settlement. The parties involved, during their meetings on settlement, may discuss about the INEC timetable and the rest,” he added.

Party sources with knowledge of the matter disclosed that Makinde and the expanded BoT meeting agreed that both factions should appoint legal teams and senior party leaders to draft the terms of the reconciliation accord and submit them to the Court of Appeal for approval.

He stated, “We have made some progress. Yesterday (Tuesday), after the BoT meeting ended at night, members and leaders of the party, especially the governors and other stakeholders, reconvened around 11pm and had a moment-of-truth conversation among themselves. They told each other the truth about how to preserve the party.

“While Governor Makinde and other critical stakeholders hoped for reconciliation, Governor Bala seems uninterested in reconciling with the Wike-aligned camp. He expressed his view that they are not the kind of people he wants to work with. Others are still trying to persuade him to see the importance of reconciliation.

“That is why he (Bala) did not attend today’s (Wednesday) expanded BoT meeting. This is because he is aware of the disposition of the BoT members, Governor Makinde and others, who support reconciliation with Wike’s group. So, Governor Bala did not show up because he is not interested in reconciling with the Wike camp for now.”

The source stated that the committee would determine the allocation of positions in the NWC and outline the process for implementation.

He added, “Of course, the BoT forged ahead. Makinde, with the support of other stakeholders in the expanded BoT meeting, agreed on the need for genuine reconciliation with the other party. They recommended that to avoid any breaches of the agreement, both sides should constitute a committee of members, including legal experts and individuals knowledgeable in the law to draft an agreement.

“Whatever understanding and accord the committee reaches will then be submitted to the Court of Appeal. Recall that the Appeal Court in Ibadan had ruled that the parties should seek an out-of-court settlement. The court will review the agreement and rule on it to ensure it is binding on all members.

“Basically, that is the situation for now. In the coming days, members of this committee will be fully unveiled. They will meet to finalise details, agree on positions, and determine how the party will move forward. Soon, the public will see how this process unfolds.”

Another source said the party leaders were hopeful that the Bauchi State Governor would back the reconciliation process and remain in the party.

He stated, “The expanded BoT, including members of the National Working Committee, NEC members, state chairmen, and Governor Makinde have agreed on the need to reconcile both camps. They are working towards reconciliation, but based on what we have gathered and observed, the Governor of Bauchi State, Bala Mohammed, has expressed reservations about the process.

“He is not keen on reconciling with the Wike group, perhaps because of events that occurred during the crisis. Party members are still trying to persuade him to see the importance of reconciliation. We hope and pray that he reconciles and does not withdraw because of this. Some people are still engaging with him, and as we know, 24 hours is a long time in politics — anything can happen. They are working to convince him to join the other party members in resolving all outstanding issues.

“A committee will be set up to draft an agreement. This agreement will address the process, whether through a caretaker committee or a convention, and outline who gets which positions: chairman, secretary, organising secretary and ensure the protection of party staff. It will also address the party’s fielding of candidates in all positions. Once finalised, the agreement will be submitted to the court to make it binding on all members.”

BoT seeks reconciliation

Meanwhile, the PDP Board of Trustees has moved to reconcile aggrieved stakeholders after the recent Court of Appeal ruling that invalidated the party’s November 2025 National Convention.

PDP BoT Chairman, Adolphus Wabara, who stated this on Wednesday after the expanded Trustees meeting in Abuja, also announced the constitution of a special committee to engage legal teams and party leaders in resolving the leadership crisis ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Reacting to the judgment, the PDP BoT stated that while it awaited advice from the party’s lawyers, it would adopt the Appeal Court Ibadan ruling to explore alternative dispute resolution in addressing all issues.

The communique. read by Wabara, stated, “The BoT is disturbed by the avoidable internal leadership disputes and wranglings leading to damaging litigations with consequential detrimental effect on the unity and smooth running of the PDP as the major opposition party in the country.

“The Board, however, acknowledges and resolves to explore the window provided by the Court of Appeal, Ibadan Division, for reconciliation within the party.

“The BoT is conscious of the interest and aspiration of our members who are desirous of contesting various positions in the 2027 general elections. Conscious of the onus on the BoT as the conscience and third highest leadership organ of the party, the Board is resolved to take immediate steps to reconcile all stakeholders, put an end to all disputes and restore the party to good political health, particularly to enable the PDP field candidates in the 2027 general elections.

“The BoT constitutes a special committee to immediately interface with the legal teams and any other stakeholders to foster reconciliation within the party.”

The BoT noted that the remarkable increase in membership, despite existing challenges, highlighted the PDP’s position as the preferred party for the majority of Nigerians ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The communique read in part, “The BoT therefore calls on all leaders and members of our party to jettison all personal and group interests and come together as one family in the overall interest of our party and the wellbeing of millions of Nigerians whose hope is anchored on the PDP.

“The BoT commends the efforts of our governors; Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State and Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State for their commitment and steadfastness towards the party and the wellbeing of all Nigerians.

“The BoT, pursuant to Section 32 of the Constitution of the PDP (as amended in 2017), unanimously approved the appointment of Dr. Babangida Aliyu as the Secretary of the Board.

“The BoT urges Nigerians not to be dispirited but remain hopeful as the PDP works hard in repositioning itself for the task of salvaging our nation from the stranglehold of the All Progressives Congress.”

Signaling their readiness for reconciliation, the governors-backed faction, through its National Secretary, Taofeek Arapaja, announced the postponement of the Caucus and National Executive meeting originally scheduled for Thursday (today).

The statement read, “In furtherance of the decision of the Board of Trustees of the Peoples Democratic Party, in pursuit of reconciliation within the party, we announce the postponement of the meetings of the National Caucus, Board of Trustees, and National Executive Committee of our party earlier scheduled for this week until further notice.

“This decision is to demonstrate utmost good faith in the court-advised reconciliation process.

“We apologise for any inconvenience this postponement may cause.”

In response to the olive branch extended by the Governors camp, Wike, during his group’s National Excutive Committee meeting in Abuja on Wednesday, stated that they were prepared for reconciliation.

He stated, “PDP will never die. There comes a time that you have crises, but those grains are for you to put yourself in order. Life is in stages. For me, what is happening is a natural process that we must pass through as humans. We are for reconciliation, but genuine reconciliation.

“Minority leader, when you are talking about reconciliation, come with your terms of reconciliation, so that we will know. Concrete proposal, not like the last time you came to me and before I knew it, you were in Ibadan for the convention. I don’t like those who go to negotiate at night and come out to shout in the day. Let those coming for peace come in the daytime and not at nighttime,” he said.

Wike also rejected accusations that his role in the All Progressives Congress-led federal administration had compromised his loyalty to the PDP.

“It was as if I was the cause of the problem because I am working in an APC administration, but all the ones who accused me are today in APC, and me that they accused has not left the PDP,” he said.

He further insisted that the party’s planned national convention would go ahead as scheduled (March 29 and 30), dismissing suggestions that another caretaker committee should be constituted to accommodate dissenting members.

“The party is working hard for the convention to hold. They have paid the necessary fees. They have secured the venue. So, let nobody bring another suggestion that we should form another caretaker committee. I won’t accept that. Convention must hold and we will allow everybody to participate,” Wike said.

Earlier, Senate Minority Whip, Senator Abba Moro, appealed for compromise among the competing factions, emphasising the need to protect the party’s future.

“I bring you solidarity from the National Assembly. I want to reiterate very emphatically here that the NASS caucus of our great party has always been in the forefront of having a united PDP,” Moro said.

He disclosed that he had earlier met with the faction led by Tanimu Turaki in an effort to find common ground.

“Crisis has rocked the PDP over some time and the NASS caucus under my leadership and Hon. Kingsley Chinda resolved that we must provide a platform so that we can act as one,” he said.

Moro also urged party members to make sacrifices in order to preserve the party.

“Whether I contest election in 2027 or not, the survival of PDP is paramount to me. I cannot abandon it. Everybody should accept some level of sacrifices,” he added.

In his remarks, the House of Representatives Minority Leader, Kingsley Chinda, described the Court of Appeal judgment as a positive development for both the party and the country’s democratic system.

“For us, we are happy that the judgment of Monday is not just for PDP but for democracy in the country,” Chinda said.

He added that the ruling had restored confidence in the party’s future.

“You have seen the exodus of our members in the past just because of the fear of the viability of the platform, but Monday’s judgment has laid all that to rest. We want to assure you that within a short time in the House of Representatives, you will see people defecting to the PDP,” he declared.

Chinda, however, stressed that genuine peace must be built on justice.

“Yes, we crave for peace, but whoever seeks peace must also seek justice. That is the only thing that can give us sustained peace,” he said.

Earlier in his remarks, the Acting Chairman of the Wike-backed National Caretaker Working Committee, Abdulrahman Mohammed, said Nigerians were looking to the opposition party to provide credible leadership and a clear alternative vision for governance.

“The Nigerian people are watching us closely. They expect our party to continue to provide responsible leadership, credible opposition, and a clear alternative vision for governance and national development,” Mohammed said.

He called on members of the NEC to approach deliberations with unity and a strong sense of responsibility.

“As we deliberate in this meeting today (Wednesday), I urge all of us to approach our discussions with maturity, unity of purpose, and a strong sense of responsibility toward the future of our great party and our country,” he said.

Mohammed added that the PDP must demonstrate discipline and organization as it prepares for future political contests.

“The PDP must continue to demonstrate that it is not only the largest political party in Africa but also the most organized, disciplined, and democratic,” he added.

He also used the occasion to address recent leadership disputes within the party, saying court rulings had affirmed the legitimacy of the current leadership structure.

According to him, judgments by the Federal High Court and the Court of Appeal reaffirmed the supremacy of the rule of law and the need for political actors to operate within the provisions of the law and party constitution.

“Recent developments within our party and the judgments delivered by the courts have once again reaffirmed the supremacy of the rule of law and the necessity for all political actors to operate strictly within the provisions of both the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the Constitution of our great party,” he said.

He congratulated party members nationwide on what he described as judicial victories and said the rulings underscored the importance of due process.

Mohammed said the judgments also confirmed the authenticity of the party’s current leadership.

“More importantly, these judicial pronouncements have clearly made it abundantly clear that the only authentic leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party remains the leadership structure as presently constituted, with my good self serving as the duly recognised National Chairman of the party, working in collaboration with our able Acting National Secretary, Anyanwu, and other members of the National Working Committee,” he said.

He also dismissed claims that the courts upheld the suspension of Acting National Secretary, Samuel Anyanwu, describing such reports as false.

“Let me state this clearly, categorically, and without any ambiguity before this highest decision-making body of our party. Such a matter was never entertained by either the Federal High Court or the Court of Appeal,” Mohammed said.

He accused some individuals of spreading misinformation to mislead party members and the public.

“We therefore wish to use this opportunity to inform our esteemed members across the federation and indeed the general public that the claim that the courts upheld the suspension of our Acting National Secretary is completely false, misleading and a deliberate attempt to create confusion within our party,” he said.

He added, “The records of the courts are very clear, and anyone who takes the time to read the judgments will easily confirm that no such issue was determined by the Federal High Court or the Court of Appeal.”

He urged party members to remain calm and united, stressing that the PDP would continue to strengthen its internal structures and democratic values.

Twenty-four hours after losing four of its members in the House of Representatives to rival parties, the Peoples Democratic Party on Thursday suffered fresh losses in the Green Chamber, with six lawmakers defecting to the All Progressives Congress and the African Democratic Congress.

The Labour Party was also hit by the gale of defections, losing five members as political realignments intensified ahead of the next electoral cycle.

Announcing the defections during plenary, the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, attributed the wave of cross-carpeting to lingering internal crises within the opposition parties.

Lawmakers who dumped the PDP for the APC include Bitrus Kwamoti, Zakaria Nyampa, James Barka and Kobis Thinmu, all from Adamawa State; Mohammed Bargaja (Sokoto) and Midala Balami (Borno).

The Labour Party lost Afam Ogene, Lilian Orogbu and Peter Aniekwe from Anambra State to the African Democratic Congress. Two other LP lawmakers — Jessy Onuakalusi from Lagos State and Osaro Omoruyi from Edo State — also defected to the ADC.

In addition, Peter Uzokwe, an Anambra lawmaker elected on the platform of the Young Progressives Party, joined the ADC.

Welcoming the defectors to the APC, Kalu described the ruling party as a broad platform open to all Nigerians, insisting that its growing membership reflects confidence in its leadership and programmes.

He said, “Some of our colleagues want to move to the APC. We have their letters here, but we cannot officially announce their defections in their absence.”

The latest defections come amid a broader wave of political realignments across the country, with major opposition figures exploring new alliances outside the traditional party structures.

In recent months, prominent politicians, including former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar and the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, have been linked to consultations aimed at forging a coalition platform ahead of the 2027 general election.

The African Democratic Congress has emerged as one of the parties reportedly being considered as a possible vehicle for such an alliance.

The moves have triggered renewed political calculations within the National Assembly, with lawmakers repositioning themselves in anticipation of possible shifts in the balance of power.

Analysts say the growing uncertainty within the opposition parties — particularly the prolonged leadership disputes in the PDP and factional struggles within the Labour Party — has created an environment that encourages defections.

For the ruling APC, the inflow of lawmakers further strengthens its numerical dominance in the House of Representatives, while the ADC appears to be positioning itself as an emerging platform for politicians seeking an alternative to both the APC and the traditional opposition parties.

With more defections reportedly imminent, the composition of the House may continue to shift in the coming weeks as political actors recalibrate their alliances ahead of the next electoral contest.

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