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The Abuja Division of the Court of Appeal on Thursday reserved judgment in nine appeals arising from conflicting Federal High Court rulings that halted the national convention of the Peoples Demonstrate Party (PDP) held on November 15 and 16 in Ibadan, Oyo State.

The convention produced Alhaji Tanimu Turaki as National Chairman alongside other national officers.

A three-member panel of the appellate court fixed judgment for a date to be communicated to parties after the adoption of written briefs.

In one of the appeals marked CA/ABJ/CV/1613/2025, the PDP, its National Working Committee (NWC) and National Executive Committee (NEC) are appellants, while the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and several party stakeholders are respondents.

Counsel to the appellants, Chief Chris Uche (SAN), argued that the October 31, 2025 judgment of Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court was delivered without jurisdiction. He urged the appellate court to dismiss preliminary objections and set aside the trial court’s decision.

However, counsel to some respondents, Joseph Daudu (SAN), contended that disputes over party leadership are internal matters beyond the jurisdiction of the court and asked that the appeal be dismissed.

The appeals stem from three separate judgments by Justices James Omotosho, Peter Lifu, and Joyce Abdulmalik of the Federal High Court, Abuja.

Justice Omotosho had stopped the PDP from conducting the convention, citing failure to comply with statutory requirements under the party’s constitution and the Electoral Act, including the mandatory 21-day notice to INEC and proper endorsement of notices by both the national chairman and secretary.

He also restrained INEC from recognising or publishing the outcome of any convention not conducted in line with due process.

Similarly, Justice Peter Lifu barred the party from proceeding with the convention in a suit filed by former Jigawa State Governor, Sule Lamido, who alleged he was denied the opportunity to purchase a nomination form for the chairmanship position.

Following the adoption of all processes, the Court of Appeal reserved judgment in the nine appeals to a later date.