The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has launched a blistering attack on the recent judgment of the Supreme Court of Nigeria nullifying the November 2025 national convention of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), describing the ruling as “a dangerous precedent” and “a judicial outcome serving political interests.”
In a strongly worded press statement on Thursday, HURIWA expressed “grave concern and unequivocal outrage” over the split decision of the apex court, which voided the Ibadan convention on grounds that it was conducted in defiance of subsisting court orders.
The judgment, delivered by Stephen Adah and led by Mohammed Garba, upheld earlier rulings of lower courts, holding that the PDP acted in contempt by proceeding with the exercise despite judicial restraint.
But HURIWA argued that beyond the legal reasoning, the verdict raises “fundamental questions” about the independence of the judiciary and the health of Nigeria’s democracy.
“This verdict has all the trappings of a procurement by the highest bidder. It reeks of political trade-offs by influential figures aligned with the Presidency who are determined to weaken, fracture, and ultimately sell off the PDP as a viable opposition platform,” the group declared.
The association further alleged that some governors elected on the PDP platform may have played roles in undermining their own party.
“It is both tragic and dangerous that individuals entrusted with the mandate of the people could allegedly engage in actions that amount to the political crucifixion of their own party,” HURIWA said.
The nullified convention had produced a factional leadership led by former Minister of Special Duties, Tanimu Turaki (SAN), amid deep internal divisions. The legal battle was triggered by suits from aggrieved members, including former Jigawa State governor Sule Lamido, who challenged his exclusion from the contest for national chairman.
While the apex court ruled that the issue transcended internal party affairs due to disobedience of lawful orders, HURIWA warned that the decision could open the floodgates for political manipulation of judicial processes.
“What we are witnessing goes beyond the PDP. This is about the future of opposition politics in Nigeria. If judicial outcomes begin to mirror political expectations, then democracy itself is imperilled,” the statement added.
The group cautioned that the ruling could deepen internal crisis within the PDP and weaken opposition politics ahead of the 2027 general elections, potentially tilting the political playing field.
“A major opposition party has been thrown into deeper turmoil at a critical moment. This raises legitimate concerns about whether democratic competition is being systematically undermined,” HURIWA stated.
It also called for urgent introspection within the judiciary to safeguard its credibility and public trust.
“We are approaching a dangerous point where citizens may begin to question the neutrality of the courts. Once that confidence is lost, the consequences for national stability and the rule of law will be severe,” the group warned.
HURIWA urged PDP stakeholders to remain resilient and pursue lawful means to rebuild the party, stressing that political survival depends on internal cohesion rather than court outcomes alone.
“This moment, though difficult, must be used for reform, unity, and recommitment to democratic principles,” it added.
The association concluded by calling on civil society, the media, and the international community to closely monitor developments in Nigeria’s political and judicial landscape.
“The integrity of Nigeria’s democracy is under intense scrutiny. The coming months will determine whether institutions remain pillars of justice or instruments of political expediency,” HURIWA said.
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HURIWA Blasts Supreme Court Verdict on PDP Convention, Alleges Political Manipulation
