PDP Faction Seeks Judge Recusal

The Nigeria — People s Democratic Party is embroiled in a leadership crisis, leading to multiple legal battles between two factions: one led by Kabiru Turaki and the other aligned with Nyesom Wike and led by Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani. The Kabiru Turaki-led faction has formally requested Justice Joyce Abdulmalik of the Nigeria — Federal High Court of Nigeria to recuse herself from a suit, citing concerns of bias and a lack of fair hearing. This request stems from the judge's handling of the case, including an ex parte order made against the defendants, which the Turaki faction described as 'curious' and similar to previous orders by Justice James Omotosho. The Turaki faction had previously petitioned Chief Judge John Tsoho to prevent the assignment of Nigeria — People s Democratic Party-related cases to Justice Joyce Abdulmalik and two other judges due to perceived partisanship. The initial suit, filed by the Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani faction, seeks to restrain the Nigeria — Nigeria Police Force and United States — United States Department of State from allowing the Kabiru Turaki-led leadership access to the party's national secretariat and to prevent the Nigeria — Independent National Electoral Commission from recognizing the Turaki faction. In a separate suit, the Kabiru Turaki faction is seeking an order for the Nigeria — Nigeria Police Force to vacate the Nigeria — People s Democratic Party national headquarters. The court has adjourned both matters to January 2026 for further hearings.