Bode George, a former deputy national chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has denounced the Federal High Court in Abuja’s October 31 ruling that put a stop to the party’s planned national electoral convention, which was supposed to take place in Ibadan, Oyo State, on November 15 and 16.
George called Justice James Omotosho’s decision “a recipe for anarchy,” arguing that it goes against the Supreme Court’s unambiguous rulings that party congresses and conventions are only internal matters of political parties.
On Wednesday, November 5, 2025, he made this statement at a news conference in his Lagos office.
George expressed surprise that, in spite of prior court rulings, Justice Omotosho issued an order halting the PDP convention.
He emphasized that the Supreme Court had made it clear that issues pertaining to political party management and officer elections are not subject to judicial review.
“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 stated.
He claims that the Supreme Court has said unequivocally that Section 84 of the Electoral Act 2022 only permits action on matters pertaining to party primary elections.
“A congress to elect officers is related to the political party’s internal administration.” It cannot be challenged in court. Consequently, a court or tribunal lacks the authority to consider any disagreement resulting from it,” he continued.
“Justice Omotosho Is Incorrect”
George said that the judge’s ruling went against established legal norms.
He claimed, “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 had no authority to meddle in a party’s internal matters. Therefore, Justice Omotosho is obviously incorrect in this ruling.
The PDP leader warned that rulings that could cause political unrest should be avoided and encouraged the Chief Justice of Nigeria and the National Judicial Council to “call the judge to order.”
George chastised the court for reportedly neglecting to call INEC representatives, who kept an eye on the PDP congresses preceding the convention.
“INEC has no grievances. In order to verify the facts, the judge did not even contact INEC representatives. What is the judge’s grievance, then? Is he interested in politics? He asked, “Is he employed by APC?”
He cautioned that Nigeria’s democratic development could be jeopardized by such court meddling. He issued a warning, saying, “The CJN and NJC should monitor some of these judges before they set our democracy on fire.”
George insisted that the PDP had 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 in order to control its electoral process,” he declared.
He bemoaned the fact that security officers 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 navigating a delicate political juncture.
Nigeria is at a crucial juncture. Restraint, communication, and a renewed dedication to civilized democratic behavior are what are now required, he stated.
He reiterated the PDP’s dedication to national unity and stability.
George continued, “The PDP remains committed to peace, unity, and the defense of democracy.”
