Former Deputy National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Bode George, has condemned the October 31 judgment of the Federal High Court, Abuja, which halted the party’s planned national elective convention scheduled for November 15 and 16 in Ibadan, Oyo State.
George described the ruling, delivered by Justice James Omotosho, as “a recipe for anarchy”, insisting that the decision contradicts clear Supreme Court pronouncements that party congresses and conventions are strictly internal affairs of political parties.
He stated this during a press conference held at his Lagos office on Wednesday, November 5, 2025.
George expressed shock that Justice Omotosho granted an order stopping the PDP convention despite existing judicial precedents.
He stressed that the apex court had ruled emphatically that matters regarding the administration of political parties and the election of their officers are not justiciable.
“Matters about a political party’s congress to elect officers of any level of its executive committees… are its internal affairs and not within the jurisdiction of courts,” George said.
According to him, the Supreme Court has made it clear that only issues arising from party primary elections are open to litigation under Section 84 of the Electoral Act 2022.
“A congress to elect officers… has to do with the internal management of the political party. It is non-justiciable. Therefore, a court or tribunal has no jurisdiction to entertain any dispute arising therefrom,” he added.
‘Justice Omotosho Is Wrong’
George insisted that the judge’s decision was at variance with long-established legal principles.
“In his judgement stopping the PDP Convention, Justice Omotosho is trying to force his personal judicial opinion into the sacred interpretation of the apex court,” he said.
“The Supreme Court said the judiciary has no right to dabble into party’s internal affairs. So, on this judgement, Justice Omotosho is clearly wrong.”
The PDP chieftain urged the Chief Justice of Nigeria and the National Judicial Council to “call the judge to order,” warning that judgments capable of triggering political instability must be avoided.
George criticised the judge for allegedly failing to invite INEC officials, who monitored the PDP congresses leading up to the planned convention.
“INEC is not complaining. The judge did not even call INEC officials to cross-check facts. So why is the judge complaining? Does he have a political interest? Is he working for APC?” he queried.
He warned that such judicial interference risks undermining Nigeria’s democratic evolution. “The CJN and NJC should monitor some of these judges before they set our democracy on fire,” he cautioned.
George maintained that the PDP, since its formation in 1998, has consistently adhered to constitutional procedures during congresses and national conventions.
“It is not the prerogative of courts to dabble into the affairs of a political party in managing its electoral procedure,” he stated.
He lamented that the controversial judgment has already resulted in the invasion of the PDP National Secretariat in Abuja by security personnel allegedly acting in support of a minority faction.
George warned that the country is navigating a delicate political moment and urged stakeholders to prioritise restraint and dialogue.
“Nigeria stands at critical crossroads. What is needed now is restraint, dialogue, and a recommitment to civilised democratic conduct,” he said.
He reaffirmed the PDP’s commitment to stability and national cohesion.
“The PDP remains committed to peace, unity, and the defence of democracy,” George concluded.
© 2025 Naijaonpoint, a division of NOP Media Inc. Contact us via [email protected]