Former Deputy National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Olabode George, has accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of manipulating the judiciary to weaken opposition parties and destabilise Nigeria’s democratic institutions.
Speaking at a press conference in Lagos on Wednesday, George condemned the recent Federal High Court ruling that halted the PDP’s planned national convention in Ibadan, Oyo State.
The judgement, delivered by Justice Omotosho, has sparked widespread criticism within the PDP, with George describing it as “a dangerous aberration” and an attempt to interfere in the internal affairs of a political party.
According to the PDP chieftain, no court possesses the authority to stop a party’s internal exercise such as a national convention. He warned that such judicial actions could sow the seeds of political instability across the country.
“What power does Justice Omotosho have to stop the PDP from holding its National Convention?” George queried.
“Has the judiciary lost its way? The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) monitored all our congresses and raised no objection.
”The judge never even invited INEC to verify the facts. Why then this judgement? Does he have a political agenda?”
George called on the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) and the National Judicial Council (NJC) to intervene immediately, urging them to prevent further erosion of judicial credibility.
He cautioned that the continued meddling of courts in party matters could lead to a repeat of the political crises that plagued Nigeria’s First Republic.
“This is exactly how the Western Region crisis of 1962 began, a conflict that consumed the First Republic and eventually led to civil war.
“To repeat that mistake in 2025 would be sheer madness, ” he warned.
The former PDP national deputy chairman also alleged that the controversial court ruling emboldened security operatives to storm the party’s National Secretariat in Abuja, acting in concert with a minority faction within the party.
He described the action as “a travesty of justice” and “a direct assault on democracy,” condemning the use of armed personnel to interfere in the internal operations of a political organisation.
“This illegal invasion is an affront to internal democracy and the rule of law.
“It threatens our national stability and sends the wrong signal to the international community about the health of Nigeria’s democracy, ” he said.
Chief George called on the Presidency, the National Security Adviser, and the heads of security agencies to launch an immediate investigation into the invasion and withdraw all officers involved in the incident.
“The sanctity of political institutions must be upheld. Nigeria stands at a crossroads — we must choose dialogue, restraint, and respect for democratic principles,” he urged.
Turning his attention to the ruling party, George accused the APC-led federal government of prioritising the suppression of opposition parties over tackling the nation’s deepening insecurity.
“Rather than confronting terrorists, bandits, kidnappers, and other violent criminals, the APC is expending its energy on illegal schemes to destabilise opposition parties. It is shameful, unlawful, and unpatriotic, ” he said.
Despite the challenges, George reaffirmed the PDP’s commitment to upholding democratic values and protecting Nigeria’s unity.
“The PDP will not allow judicial officers working hand in hand with the APC to derail our democracy,” he vowed.
“We remain steadfast in our commitment to peace, unity, and the defence of democratic governance. We will not be intimidated, ” he said.
