Chief Olabode George, a former Deputy National Chairman (South) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has sharply criticized the court order that stopped the party’s upcoming national convention.
On Friday, Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja barred the PDP from having its national convention in Ibadan on November 15 and 16.
The verdict came after a lawsuit saying that the party failed to respect the 1999 Constitution, Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) standards, and its own constitution while preparing for the event.
Justice Omotosho ruled that the PDP did not have proper state congresses before electing new national officers, which weakened internal democracy.
The injunction effectively halts preparations for the opposition party’s leadership renewal, raising questions about its internal coherence and readiness for future national elections.
In response, George described the decision as startling and hazardous for Nigeria’s democratic stability, warning that it might create a disturbing precedent.
He maintained that political parties should be left to conduct their own internal affairs without undue judicial intrusion, save in circumstances of clear constitutional violations.
“This judgment will consume this country. It is time the judge removed his wig and gown and joined politics,” George said in a statement.
George called on the Chief Justice of Nigeria and the National Judicial Council to address what he termed an unjustifiable intervention capable of triggering disorder.
“Judges are not politicians. Their duty is to interpret the law, not to meddle in party administration,” he added.
The PDP chieftain questioned the basis of the ruling, insisting that INEC monitored all PDP congresses nationwide and did not raise objections or report irregularities.
“INEC is not complaining. The judge did not invite INEC officials. So why is he complaining? Does he have political interest?” he queried.
He added that the PDP, which has been around since 1998, has a long history of adhering to due process in its internal procedures, such as congresses and conventions.
According to him, the ruling weakens party autonomy and risks turning the judiciary against political stability in Africa’s largest democracy.
George emphasized that settling internal issues through established party structures is critical to democratic development.
He advised PDP members to be calm and committed to legal procedures while seeking legal recourse to overturn the verdict.
The party is anticipated to look into more legal alternatives in the coming days as it works to protect its internal procedures and regain momentum ahead of future elections.
