Former Deputy National Chairman (South) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Bode George, has strongly criticized a Federal High Court ruling halting the party’s upcoming national convention, describing the decision as “shocking and dangerous” for Nigeria’s democratic stability.
Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja on Friday restrained the PDP from holding its national convention scheduled for November 15 and 16 in Ibadan.
Reacting, George warned that the ruling could set a troubling precedent and undermines the autonomy of political parties. “This judgment will consume this country. It is time the judge removed his wig and gown and joined politics,” he said in a statement.
George called on the Chief Justice of Nigeria and the National Judicial Council to intervene, arguing that judicial overreach in internal party matters could trigger disorder. He questioned the basis of the ruling, noting that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had monitored all PDP congresses nationwide without objections.
“Judges are not politicians. Their duty is to interpret the law, not to meddle in party administration,” George added. He stressed that resolving internal disputes through party mechanisms is fundamental to democratic development and urged PDP members to remain calm while pursuing legal remedies to overturn the decision.
The PDP also rejected the ruling, describing it as “an assault on Nigeria’s democratic process.” In a statement, the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, affirmed that the judgment does not vitiate its ability to continue preparations for the national convention.
“Our Party notes the recent judgment of the Supreme Court, which affirms the supremacy of a political party in the management of its internal affairs,” the statement read. The PDP confirmed it would proceed with all planned activities ahead of the convention to elect new national officers.
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