AfriPulse
A former Deputy National Chairman (South) of the Peoples Democratic Party, Bode George , has faulted the Federal High Court ruling that stopped the party’s planned national convention, describing it as “shocking” and “dangerous” for Nigeria’s democracy.
Naija News had earlier reported that Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court, Abuja, on Friday, restrained the PDP from holding its national convention earlier scheduled for November 15 and 16 in Ibadan.
The order followed a suit alleging that the opposition party failed to comply with the provisions of the 1999 Constitution, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) guidelines, and its own constitution while preparing for the exercise.
Justice Omotosho held that the PDP did not conduct valid state congresses before moving ahead to elect new national officers, noting that such lapses undermined internal democracy.
The ruling effectively halted the party’s preparations for its leadership renewal, raising fresh concerns about its internal unity and readiness for the 2027 general elections.
Reacting to the development, Chief George, in a strongly worded statement on Friday, warned that the decision could set a dangerous precedent for Nigeria’s political future.
“This judgment will consume this country. It is time the judge removed his wig and gown and joined politics,” George declared.
He argued that political parties must be allowed to manage their internal affairs without undue judicial interference, except in cases of clear constitutional violations.
“Judges are not politicians. Their duty is to interpret the law, not to meddle in party administration,” he said.
The PDP chieftain urged the Chief Justice of Nigeria and the National Judicial Council to address what he termed an “unjustifiable intervention” capable of triggering political instability.
He questioned the basis of the ruling, stressing that INEC monitored all PDP congresses across the country and did not raise any objections.
“INEC is not complaining. The judge did not invite INEC officials. So why is he complaining? Does he have political interest?” George queried.
The former deputy chairman maintained that the PDP, founded in 1998, has a long tradition of adhering to due process in all its internal operations.
According to him, the court’s intervention undermines party autonomy and risks weaponising the judiciary against democratic governance in Africa’s largest democracy.
George said, “The PDP has built structures over decades that allow for internal resolution of disputes. Turning the judiciary into an arbiter for every party issue will destroy the democratic fabric of this nation.”
Urges Calm Among Party Members
George appealed to PDP members nationwide to remain calm and committed to lawful processes while pursuing legal means to overturn the ruling.
He noted that the party would explore available legal options in the coming days to protect its internal procedures and ensure preparations for future elections continue unhindered.
The judgment, delivered by Justice Omotosho in suit number FHC/ABJ/CS/2120/2025, follows mounting tensions within the PDP over leadership disputes and convention logistics.
The ruling comes just weeks after the Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike, welcomed the court’s decision, saying it signaled the end of “business as usual” within the party.
Meanwhile, party insiders say consultations are ongoing among senior leaders to determine the next steps ahead of the convention.
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