By Oladele Ogunsola

The lingering crisis rocking the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) took another dramatic turn on Wednesday as the Court of Appeal of Nigeria sitting in Ibadan granted all factions leave to pursue an out-of-court settlement and adjourned the case indefinitely.
A three-man panel of the appellate court, led by Justice Biobele Goergewill, urged the warring parties involved in the party’s controversial elective convention held in Ibadan late last year to resolve their differences amicably.
The court subsequently adjourned the matter sine die, allowing the parties time to explore settlement options.
Justice Goergewill also cautioned lawyers representing the various factions to take into consideration the timetable already released by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for the 2027 general elections while advising their clients on possible resolution of the dispute.
“The court has granted leave for settlement in this matter,” the presiding justice said.
“The case has also been adjourned sine die to enable all parties meet, either individually or collectively, on how to resolve the issues pending before the appellate court peacefully.
“All parties involved should be mindful of the election timetable released by the Independent National Electoral Commission. The counsel appearing in this matter are in the best position to properly advise their clients.”
He further directed that the court must be formally informed in writing once the parties reach a decision on whether they agree or disagree on the terms of settlement.
“To this end, all pending Motions on Notice relating to this case have been adjourned sine die,” the ruling stated.
Lawyers representing the various factions aligned with the court’s position. Speaking to journalists after proceedings, Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Sunday Ibrahim, said the parties had shown willingness to explore peace.
“The parties have indicated readiness to settle, and the court has adjourned the matter sine die to allow them attempt settlement. They will report back to the court afterwards,” he said.
“We will make no further comment for now so as not to prejudice the settlement process. During their meetings, the parties may also consider the INEC timetable and other relevant issues.”
Another counsel in the matter, Musibau Adetunmbi, confirmed that all motions related to the disputed PDP elective convention had been put on hold indefinitely by the appellate court.
The crisis stems from the party’s elective convention held in Ibadan last year, which has triggered multiple legal battles.
Earlier, the Court of Appeal of Nigeria sitting in Abuja nullified the convention and upheld the decision of the party’s disciplinary committee against some members.
However, in a conflicting judgment, Justice Ladiran Akintola of the Oyo State High Court in Ibadan validated the same convention in a suit filed by Folahan Malomo Adelabi through Adetunmbi, SAN.
With the latest court directive pushing the parties toward reconciliation, attention now turns to whether the feuding factions of the PDP can broker peace before the political clock ticks closer to the 2027 elections.