Former Deputy National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Bode George, has condemned the Federal High Court judgment that stopped the party’s planned national elective convention scheduled for November 15 and 16 in Ibadan, Oyo State, describing it as “a recipe for anarchy.”
The judgment, delivered by Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court, Abuja, on October 31, 2025, restrained the PDP from holding its national convention pending the determination of a suit filed by a faction within the party.
Speaking at a press conference in Lagos on Wednesday, November 5, George expressed dismay over the ruling, arguing that it contradicts established Supreme Court precedents which affirm that party congresses and conventions are internal affairs not subject to judicial interference.
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“Matters about a political party’s congress to elect officers of any level of its executive committees are its internal affairs and not within the jurisdiction of courts,” George said. “The Supreme Court has made it clear that only disputes arising from party primaries are justiciable under Section 84 of the Electoral Act 2022.”
He faulted Justice Omotosho for allegedly overstepping judicial bounds, saying the decision undermines the autonomy of political parties and could destabilise the country’s fragile democracy.
“In his judgment stopping the PDP Convention, Justice Omotosho is trying to force his personal opinion into the sacred interpretation of the apex court. The Supreme Court said the judiciary has no right to dabble into party affairs. So, on this judgment, the judge is clearly wrong,” George declared.
He urged the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) and the National Judicial Council (NJC) to call the judge to order, warning that politically charged rulings could ignite unrest. “Judgments capable of triggering political instability must be avoided,” he cautioned.
George also criticised the court for not inviting officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), who monitored the PDP congresses leading to the planned convention. “INEC is not complaining. The judge didn’t even call INEC to verify the facts. So why the interference? Is he working for the APC?” he queried.
He warned that judicial overreach could erode public trust in the courts and hinder Nigeria’s democratic progress.
“Nigeria stands at a critical crossroads. What is needed now is restraint, dialogue, and recommitment to civilised democratic conduct,” George said, reaffirming that the PDP remains committed to peace, unity, and the defence of democracy.