A Federal High Court ruling has halted the Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) national convention, scheduled for November 15 and 16 in Ibadan. Justice James Omotosho issued the order, prompting a strong reaction from Bode George, a member of the PDP’s Board of Trustees.
The court’s decision has significant implications for Nigeria’s democratic process, with George describing it as “shocking and dangerous.” He warned that such judicial interference could set a troubling precedent, undermining the stability of the country’s democracy. George emphasized that political parties should be allowed to manage their internal affairs without undue court intervention, except in cases of clear constitutional breaches.
The PDP had been preparing for its national convention, a crucial event in the party’s calendar. However, the court’s ruling has thrown the event into uncertainty. George urged the Chief Justice of Nigeria and the National Judicial Council to address the issue, which he termed an “unjustifiable intervention” capable of triggering disorder.
George, a former Deputy National Chairman of the PDP, stressed that judges should not meddle in party administration, as their duty is to interpret the law. He suggested that the judge should “remove his wig and gown and join politics” if he wishes to engage in political activities. The ruling has sparked concerns about the independence of political parties and the role of the judiciary in Nigeria’s democratic system.
The PDP is expected to challenge the court’s decision, which could have far-reaching consequences for the party and the country’s democratic process. The development has raised questions about the balance of power between the judiciary and political parties in Nigeria. As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen how the PDP will respond to the ruling and what implications it will have for the country’s democratic stability.
