Politics
A Dangerous Precedent For Nigeria’s Political Future -Bode George
A former Deputy National Chairman (South) of the Peoples Democratic Party, Bode George, has faulted the Federal High Court ruling that stopped the party’s planned national convention, describing it as “shocking” and “dangerous” for Nigeria’s democracy.
Naija News had earlier reported that Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court, Abuja, on Friday, restrained the PDP from holding its national convention earlier scheduled for November 15 and 16 in Ibadan.
The order followed a suit alleging that the opposition party failed to comply with the provisions of the 1999 Constitution, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) guidelines, and its own constitution while preparing for the exercise.
Justice Omotosho held that the PDP did not conduct valid state congresses before moving ahead to elect new national officers, noting that such lapses undermined internal democracy.
The ruling effectively halted the party’s preparations for its leadership renewal, raising fresh concerns about its internal unity and readiness for the 2027 general elections.
Reacting to the development, Chief George, in a strongly worded statement on Friday, warned that the decision could set a dangerous precedent for Nigeria’s political future.
“This judgment will consume this country. It is time the judge removed his wig and gown and joined politics,” George declared.
He argued that political parties must be allowed to manage their internal affairs without undue judicial interference, except in cases of clear constitutional violations.
“Judges are not politicians. Their duty is to interpret the law, not to meddle in party administration,” he said.
The PDP chieftain urged the Chief Justice of Nigeria and the National Judicial Council to address what he termed an “unjustifiable intervention” capable of triggering political instability.
He questioned the basis of the ruling, stressing that INEC monitored all PDP congresses across the country and did not raise any objections.
“INEC is not complaining. The judge did not invite INEC officials. So why is he complaining? Does he have political interest?” George queried.
The former deputy chairman maintained that the PDP, founded in 1998, has a long tradition of adhering to due process in all its internal operations.
According to him, the court’s intervention undermines party autonomy and risks weaponizing the judiciary against democratic governance in Africa’s largest democracy.
George said, “The PDP has built structures over decades that allow for internal resolution of disputes. Turning the judiciary into an arbiter for every party issue will destroy the democratic fabric of this nation.”
George appealed to PDP members nationwide to remain calm and committed to lawful processes while pursuing legal means to overturn the ruling.
He noted that the party would explore available legal options in the coming days to protect its internal procedures and ensure preparations for future elections continue unhindered.
The judgment, delivered by Justice Omotosho in suit number FHC/ABJ/CS/2120/2025, follows mounting tensions within the PDP over leadership disputes and convention logistics.
The ruling comes just weeks after the Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike, welcomed the court’s decision, saying it signaled the end of “business as usual” within the party.
Meanwhile, party insiders say consultations are ongoing among senior leaders to determine the next steps ahead of the convention.
Former National Treasurer of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Hon. Ahmed Yayari, has formally joined the All Progressives Congress (APC), alongside his supporters.
Hon. Yayari, who was a gubernatorial candidate under Kabiru Tanimu Turaki faction of the PDP, picked up his APC membership card at his Kalshingi Ward in Akko Local Government Area.
Speaking after receiving his membership card, Yayari, who served as Chief of Staff to former Governor Ibrahim Hassan Dankwambo, pledged to deploy his years of political experience, extensive networks and support base towards securing victory for the APC in the 2027 elections.
He specifically expressed his commitment to supporting the APC governorship candidate in Gombe State, Dr Jamilu Isyaku Gwamna, as well as other APC candidates at both state and national levels.
The former PDP National Treasurer said his decision to join the APC was accompanied by a commitment to work with party leaders, stakeholders and supporters towards strengthening the party and delivering electoral success in 2027.
Our correspondent reports that Hon.Yayari’s defection comes amid a series of high-profile political realignments in the State, with prominent politicians and thousands of their supporters moving into the APC.
Political pundits said the move is significant given his previous roles at the national level of the PDP and his experience within Gombe State’s political establishment.
Former First Lady Aisha Buhari has visited former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar.
We recalls that in February, Atiku and Aisha, the wife of late former President Muhammadu Buhari, first met in Saudi Arabia.
Atiku disclosed the visit in a post on his X handle on Wednesday, describing the meeting with the former First Lady as “warm and deeply appreciated”.
The former Vice-President said the visit also highlighted the need for those seeking a better Nigeria to prioritise the welfare and future of Nigerians.
Atiku wrote, “Today, I was delighted to receive former First Lady, H.E. Aisha Buhari. Her visit was warm and deeply appreciated.”
He said families across the country were facing increasing pressure from the rising cost of essential goods and services, including food, transportation, education and healthcare.
He added, “Beyond the courtesies of the occasion, it was also a reminder of the urgent responsibility before all who seek a better Nigeria: to put the welfare, dignity and future of our people first.”
Atiku said Nigerians deserved an economy that would provide opportunities and enable families to live with dignity and hope.
He wrote, “Across our country, families are being stretched by the rising cost of food, transport, education, healthcare and other basic necessities. Nigerians deserve an economy that rewards hard work, restores opportunity and allows every family to live with dignity and hope.”
He concluded, “That is the Nigeria we must build together, a country that works for its people again. We must ease the burden, restore hope and Make Nigeria Affordable Again.”
Lawmaker representing Askira-Uba/Hawul Federal Constituency of Borno State in the House of Representatives, Usman Midala, has left the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Naija News reports that Balami has defected to the Accord Party, where he is set to seek another term in the House of Representatives
The lawmaker, who serves as Deputy Chairman of the House Committee on Communications, made his decision after consultations with political leaders, supporters, family members and associates.
His resignation from the APC was contained in a letter dated September 15, 2026, and addressed to the party.
The letter was also endorsed by the APC ward chairman in Hawul Local Government Area.
Balami explained that his decision to leave the ruling party was linked to concerns over the conduct of its primary elections.
According to him, the process did not provide what he considered adequate conditions for credible, free, fair and transparent participation by aspirants.
The federal lawmaker also disclosed that he decided not to take part in the APC primary election because of the situation surrounding the process.
Despite his departure, Balami acknowledged the role played by the APC and its leaders during his time in the party.
He appreciated the party for giving him the platform to contest elections and serve his constituents, adding that his experience within the party contributed to his political development and public service.
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