The Court of Appeal sitting in Ibadan, Oyo State, on Wednesday granted parties involved in the dispute over the elective convention of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) leave to pursue an out-of-court settlement.
Justice Biobele Georgewill, who presided over a three-member panel of the appellate court, advised all parties to explore a peaceful resolution of the case in the interest of the party.
Following submissions from counsel representing the parties, the court adjourned the matter sine die to allow room for settlement discussions.
In his remarks, Justice Georgewill urged the legal representatives to guide their clients toward a resolution, noting the importance of resolving internal disputes as the country moves closer to the 2027 general elections.
“The Court has granted leave for settlement in this matter. The case has been adjourned sine die to allow all parties to meet, either individually or collectively, to resolve the issues pending before the appellate court peacefully,” he said.
He further stressed that the parties should take into consideration the timetable already released by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for the 2027 elections.
According to him, the legal representatives are best positioned to advise their clients on the implications of the dispute and the need for timely resolution.
Justice Georgewill also directed that the court be informed in writing of the outcome of the settlement discussions, whether the parties eventually agree or fail to reach a compromise.
“To this end, all the pending Motions on Notice on this case have been adjourned sine die,” the judge added.
The dispute surrounding the PDP elective convention has generated conflicting judicial decisions in recent days.
Earlier on Monday, the Court of Appeal sitting in Abuja invalidated the party’s elective convention held in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.
In its ruling, the court upheld the decision of the PDP Disciplinary Committee concerning some members of the party.
However, in a separate judgment, Justice Ladiran Akintola of the Oyo State High Court in Ibadan had earlier upheld the validity of the same convention.
The case was instituted by Folahan Adelabi through his counsel, Musibau Adetunmbi (SAN).
Speaking to journalists after Wednesday’s proceedings, Sunday Ibrahim (SAN), who spoke on behalf of other counsel, confirmed that the parties had expressed willingness to resolve the matter amicably.
According to him, the court’s decision to adjourn the case indefinitely was intended to give the parties adequate time to explore settlement options.
“The parties have shown their willingness to settle, and the court has adjourned the matter sine die to enable them attempt a settlement. If they reach an agreement, they will report back to the court,” Ibrahim said.
He added that the legal teams would refrain from making further comments in order not to jeopardise the settlement process.
Also speaking on the development, Adetunmbi confirmed that the appellate court had adjourned all motions related to the PDP elective convention indefinitely, pending the outcome of the settlement discussions.
The outcome of the talks is expected to determine the next legal and political steps regarding the controversial party convention.
