By Dickson Omobola
LAGOS — Former Deputy National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Olabode George, yesterday accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of weaponising the judiciary to destabilise political parties and undermine Nigeria’s democracy.
Reacting to a Federal High Court ruling that stopped the PDP’s planned national convention scheduled to hold in Ibadan, Oyo State, George described the judgement as “an aberration” and warned that no court has jurisdiction over matters strictly within a political party’s internal affairs.
Addressing journalists in Lagos, the PDP leader said the judgement delivered by Justice Omotosho was capable of triggering political instability if unchecked. He urged the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) and the National Judicial Council (NJC) to call the judge to order.
He said: “What power does Justice Omotosho have to order PDP not to hold its National Convention? Has the judiciary gone to the dogs? INEC witnessed all our congresses. INEC is not complaining. The judge did not even call INEC to verify facts. Why is he complaining? Does he have a political interest?”
George warned that judicial interference in party matters could endanger the country’s democratic stability:
“This is how the crisis in the Western Region started in 1962, which consumed the First Republic and led to the civil war. To continue along that path in 2025 is absolute lunacy.”
‘Judgement Led to Invasion of PDP National Secretariat’
The PDP chieftain also alleged that the controversial judgement emboldened security personnel to invade the party’s National Secretariat in Abuja, acting in collaboration with a minority faction.
“What a travesty of justice. This illegal act by security agents is a dangerous affront to internal democracy and the rule of law,” he said.
He condemned the deployment of armed personnel to the headquarters of a major political party, describing it as a “direct assault on democratic values and the freedom of political association guaranteed by the Constitution.”
George said the development threatens national stability and sends the wrong message to the international community about the state of Nigeria’s democracy.
Calls for Immediate Investigation
He urged the Presidency, National Security Adviser, and heads of security agencies to immediately investigate the incident and withdraw all personnel involved.
“The sanctity of political institutions must be preserved. Nigeria stands at a critical crossroads. What we need now is restraint, dialogue, and a recommitment to democratic conduct,” he said.
APC Accused of Targeting Opposition
George went further to accuse the APC-led federal government of focusing on weakening opposition parties instead of tackling the country’s insecurity challenges.
“Instead of going after terrorists, bandits, kidnappers, cattle rustlers and abductors, the APC administration is doing everything illegal, unlawful and shameful to destabilise opposition parties,” he stated.
He insisted that the PDP would not allow “judicial officials working in cahoots with the APC” to truncate democracy.
“PDP remains committed to peace, unity and the defence of democracy. We will not be intimidated,” George declared.
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