A Federal High Court ruling has halted the Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) national convention, which was 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.
George described the decision as “shocking and dangerous,” warning that such judicial interference could set a troubling precedent and undermine the stability of Nigeria’s democracy. He 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, but the court’s ruling has thrown the event into uncertainty. George urged the Chief Justice of Nigeria and the National Judicial Council to address what he termed an “unjustifiable intervention” capable of triggering disorder. As a former Deputy National Chairman of the PDP, he stressed that judges should not meddle in party administration, noting that their duty is to interpret the law. He suggested that if the judge wishes to engage in politics, he should “remove his wig and gown and join politics.”
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 decision, which could have far‑reaching consequences for the party and the country’s democratic process. This development raises questions about the balance of power between the judiciary and political parties, and it remains to be seen how the PDP will respond and what implications it will have for Nigeria’s democratic stability.
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