Bode George slams Court ruling stopping PDP Convention, warns of crisis

By Adeyemi Adeleye

Former Deputy National Chairman (South) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Olabode George, has faulted the Federal High Court ruling that stopped the party’s planned national convention, describing it as “a dangerous intrusion into political processes” capable of destabilising Nigeria’s democracy.

Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court, Abuja, on Friday, restrained the PDP from holding its national convention scheduled for November 15 and 16 in Ibadan.

The interim order followed a suit alleging the party’s non-compliance with the 1999 Constitution, Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) guidelines, and its own constitution in preparations for the convention.

In his ruling, Justice Omotosho held that the PDP failed to conduct valid state congresses before attempting to elect new national officers, stating that the lapse undermined internal democracy.

The decision effectively stalled the party’s leadership renewal process, raising fresh concerns about internal cohesion and readiness for future elections.

Reacting in a statement, George condemned the ruling as “shocking and dangerous for the nation’s democratic stability,” arguing that it set a worrisome precedent for judicial interference in political party affairs.

“This judgment will consume this country,” George said. “It is time the judge removed his wig and gown and joined politics.”

He called on the Chief Justice of Nigeria and the National Judicial Council to urgently review what he described as an “unjustifiable intervention” capable of triggering political disorder.

“Judges are not politicians. Their duty is to interpret the law, not to meddle in party administration,” he added.

George questioned the basis of the ruling, noting that INEC had monitored all PDP congresses nationwide and raised no objections or reports of irregularities.

“INEC is not complaining. The judge did not invite INEC officials. So why is he complaining? Does he have political interest?” he queried.

The PDP stalwart emphasised that the party, founded in 1998, has consistently adhered to due process in its congresses and conventions.

He warned that the court’s decision risked weaponising the judiciary against party autonomy and political stability in Africa’s largest democracy.

George urged members of the PDP to remain calm and united while pursuing lawful means to challenge the ruling.

“The PDP must stay focused and rely on its internal mechanisms to resolve this issue. We cannot allow our democracy to be derailed by judicial overreach,” he said.

The party is expected to explore legal options in the coming days as it seeks to protect its internal processes and sustain momentum ahead of the next election cycle.