The Supreme Court has fixed April 22 for the hearing of two appeals filed by the Kabiru Turaki-led leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party, challenging the March 9 judgments of the Court of Appeal.
The decision was reached on Tuesday by a five-member panel of the apex court led by Justice Mohammed Garba, who granted accelerated hearing in the politically sensitive case that continues to shape the internal leadership dispute within the opposition party.
The appeals stem from earlier rulings delivered by the Court of Appeal, which the Turaki-led faction is now seeking to overturn. The dispute has further deepened tensions within the PDP, as rival groups continue to contest control of the party’s national structure.
At the proceedings, the Supreme Court granted a departure from its standard procedural rules to allow for abridgment of time, underscoring the urgency attached to the matter. The court ordered that respondents must file their briefs within five days, while the appellants were given two days to file any reply brief thereafter.
Legal observers say the decision to expedite the hearing reflects the apex court’s recognition of the far-reaching political implications of the case. The PDP, being one of Nigeria’s major political parties, has faced prolonged internal leadership struggles that have repeatedly spilled into the courts.
The Turaki-led faction’s appeal is expected to address key issues arising from the appellate court’s March 9 decisions, which had significant consequences for the party’s leadership configuration. Although full details of the disputed judgments were not elaborated in open court on Tuesday, the case is widely seen as central to determining which faction holds legitimate authority within the party’s national framework.
The panel, chaired by Justice Garba, emphasized the need for strict adherence to the revised timelines, noting that compliance would ensure the matter is heard and determined without unnecessary delay. The directive is aimed at streamlining arguments and ensuring that all parties are adequately prepared for the accelerated hearing schedule.
Political analysts note that the outcome of the case could have substantial implications for the opposition party’s unity and preparedness ahead of future electoral contests. Leadership disputes within the PDP have, in recent years, contributed to internal fragmentation and competing claims of authority at various levels.
Stakeholders within the party are closely watching the proceedings, as the Supreme Court’s eventual ruling is expected to either reinforce or significantly alter the current leadership structure. The accelerated hearing also signals the judiciary’s intention to provide clarity on the matter without prolonged uncertainty.
Party members aligned with the Turaki-led leadership have expressed optimism about the appeal, insisting that their position reflects the authentic and constitutionally recognized structure of the party. On the other hand, opposing factions maintain confidence in earlier judicial pronouncements, setting the stage for a decisive legal confrontation.
As April 22 approaches, attention will remain firmly fixed on the apex court, where the final direction of one of Nigeria’s most consequential political disputes is expected to begin unfolding. For the PDP, the hearing represents another critical moment in its ongoing effort to stabilize its leadership and unify its ranks ahead of future political battles.
