Bode George, the former deputy national chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has denounced the Federal High Court in Abuja’s October 31 ruling, which put a stop to the party’s planned national elective convention that was supposed to take place in Ibadan, Oyo State, on November 15 and 16.
Justice James Omotosho’s decision, according to George, is “a recipe for anarchy” since it goes against the Supreme Court’s explicit rulings that party congresses and conventions are solely internal matters of political parties.
In a news conference on Wednesday, November 5, 2025, at his Lagos office, he made this claim.
Despite prior court rulings, George expressed surprise when Justice Omotosho issued an order halting the PDP convention.
He emphasized that the Supreme Court has made a clear ruling that issues pertaining to political party administration and officer elections are not subject to judicial review.
According to George, “issues concerning 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.”
He claims that the Supreme Court has made it clear that Section 84 of the Electoral Act 2022 only permits litigation of matters arising from party primary elections.
“A congress to elect executives has to do with the political party’s internal management. It cannot be brought to court. As a result, a court or tribunal lacks the authority to consider any disagreement resulting from it,” he continued.
“Justice Omotosho Is Not Correct.”
George maintained that the judge’s ruling deviated from accepted legal norms.
He declared, “Justice Omotosho is attempting to impose his personal judicial opinion into the sacred interpretation of the apex court in his judgment stopping the PDP Convention.”
The Supreme Court ruled that the judiciary has no authority to meddle in a party’s domestic affairs. Thus, it is evident that Justice Omotosho is incorrect in this decision.
The PDP leader called on the Chief Justice of Nigeria and the National Judicial Council to “call the judge to order,” cautioning against rulings that could lead to political unrest.
George chastised the court for reportedly neglecting to call INEC representatives, who kept an eye on the PDP congresses in advance of the convention.
“INEC doesn’t voice any complaints. INEC representatives were not even contacted by the judge to verify the facts. The judge is objecting, but why? Is he politically inclined? He asked, “Does he work for APC?”
He cautioned that Nigeria’s democratic progress could be jeopardized by such court meddling. He issued a warning, saying that “the CJN and NJC should monitor some of these judges before they set our democracy on fire.”
According to George, the PDP has continuously followed constitutional procedures at national conventions and congresses since its founding in 1998.
“Courts have no right to meddle in a political party’s internal affairs when it comes to running its election process,” he declared.
He bemoaned the fact that security forces purportedly operating in favor of a minority faction had already invaded the PDP National Secretariat in Abuja as a result of the contentious ruling.
George asked stakeholders to prioritize moderation and communication, cautioning that the nation is facing a precarious political juncture.
“Nigeria is at a crucial juncture.” Restraint, communication, and a renewed dedication to civilized democratic behavior are what are currently required, he stated.
He reiterated the PDP’s dedication to both stability and unity inside the country.
“Peace, unity, and the defense of democracy remain the PDP’s commitments,” George said.
