Bode George Condemns Court Order Stopping PDP Convention as Call for Anarchy, Warns Against Judicial Overreach

Former Deputy National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Bode George, has faulted the Federal High Court ruling that halted the party’s forthcoming national convention, describing it as a threat to Nigeria’s democratic stability.

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

The order followed a suit alleging that the party breached the 1999 Constitution, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) guidelines, and its own constitution in preparing for the event.

In his ruling, Justice Omotosho held that the PDP failed to conduct valid state congresses before planning to elect new national officers, insisting that such procedural lapses violated internal democracy and rendered the process invalid.

The decision effectively suspended preparations for the opposition party’s leadership renewal.

Reacting in a statement, George described the ruling as “shocking, dangerous, and politically motivated,” warning that it could set a damaging precedent for party independence in Nigeria.

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

He urged the Chief Justice of Nigeria and the National Judicial Council to intervene, stressing that the judiciary must not overstep its role.

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

The PDP elder questioned the court’s decision, pointing out that INEC had monitored all PDP congresses and raised no objections.

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

George maintained that the PDP, which has operated since 1998, has consistently adhered to due process in its internal elections and conventions. He warned that undermining party autonomy could weaponise the judiciary and destabilise the political system.

He called on party members to remain calm and law-abiding while the leadership explores legal avenues to overturn the ruling.

The PDP is expected to seek judicial review in the coming days as it works to restore confidence in its internal democratic processes ahead of future national elections.