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.
The All Progressives Congress, APC, has announced it will not be participating in the forthcoming local government election in the state.
The party disclosed this in a statement signed by its Publicity Secretary, Wasiu Olawale Sadare, on Thursday in Ibadan.
The local government election in the state has been fixed for December 2026, but the APC, in its argument, described the decision to conduct the election as illegal, ill-conceived and self-serving.
Sadare said the decision will further worsen the current situation of things at the grassroots level in the state, alleging that Governor Seyi Makinde does not believe in local government autonomy.
He alleged that such action means that Makinde is now trying to impose another set of lackeys who would be loyal to him even after leaving the office.
“The whole world knows that Gov. Makinde does not believe in local government autonomy, and when it comes to democracy at the grassroots, he cannot be trusted for anything. He has feasted on the resources of the 33 local government councils in the state for over seven years and the people cannot wait for him to leave in May for the third tier of government to regain their freedom.
“The same Makinde is now trying to impose another set of lackeys who would be loyal to him even after leaving Agodi Government House and he knows he cannot do this after the conduct of the 2027 general elections, which outcome would strip him of all political power and influence.”
As Ekiti State prepares for Saturday’s governorship election, Isaac Fayose has alleged that members of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) are planning to engage in vote-buying during the poll.
Fayose, younger brother of former Ekiti State governor Ayo Fayose, raised the alarm on Thursday through a video shared on his official Facebook page.
He claimed that intelligence available to him suggests that arrangements have already been made to influence voters with cash ahead of the election.
The businessman called on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to closely monitor activities during the election and take immediate action against anyone caught attempting to buy votes.
According to him, the credibility of the election will depend largely on how effectively security and anti-corruption agencies handle electoral offences.
Fayose argued that Nigeria’s democratic system continues to suffer because elections are often manipulated, making it difficult for truly popular candidates to emerge victorious.
He said, “Nigeria is not developing because our electoral system is faulty. Popular people don’t get into power but unpopular people do because they are rigged in.
“If our votes can’t put the best candidates there, it means we are in a mess. We will see on Saturday whether EFCC is effective or not.
“If EFCC is on ground, they should be able to apprehend many vote buyers because APC is planning to buy votes. EFCC, Nigerians are watching, you now have an office in Ekiti State.
“We have credible information that these people are planning to buy votes”.
The All Progressives Congress (APC) has successfully concluded its House of Representatives primaries across Nigeria, setting the stage for the 2027 general elections.
The exercise, held on May 16, 2026, drew significant attention as both seasoned lawmakers and fresh aspirants battled for tickets to represent their constituencies in the Green Chamber.
According to The Nation, with high turnout reported in many states, the primaries showcased the party’s internal dynamics and the balance between continuity and change.
At the national level, prominent figures such as Speaker Abbas Tajudeen, Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, and Lagos State House of Assembly Speaker Mudasiru Obasa secured their tickets with relative ease.
Their victories reaffirmed their strong influence within the party and their constituencies.
Meanwhile, James Faleke, Chairman of the House Committee on Finance, also clinched his ticket, while Yusuf Buhari, son of the late president Muhammadu Buhari, emerged as a first-time candidate in Katsina.
Winners of APC 2026 primaries
Abbas Tajudeen, Speaker of the House of Representatives, was returned unopposed in Zaria Benjamin Kalu, Deputy Speaker, also secured his ticket.
Mudasiru Obasa, Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, won unopposed in Agege James Faleke, Chairman of the House Committee on Finance, clinched victory in Ikeja/Ojodu Yusuf Buhari, son of the late president Muhammadu Buhari, won in Katsina, marking his first entry into the Green Chamber.
Other notable winners included Jimi Benson (Ikorodu), Yusuf Gagdi (Plateau), Ndudi Elumelu (Delta), and Olumide Osoba (Ogun).
Major losses in the APC primaries
House Majority Leader Julius Ihonvbere lost his bid for a third term in Edo Four sitting members from Imo state, Matthew Nwogu, Miriam Onuoha, Harrison Nwadike, and Emeka Chinedu, failed to secure return tickets Popular businessman Cubana Chief Priest also lost his bid.
State highlights after ruling party primaries
Kaduna: Samaila Abdul Suleiman won convincingly in Kaduna North with 3,049 votes, defeating Abdulaziz Abubakar Kaka and Abubakar Mahmoud, but Kaka’s campaign alleged disenfranchisement of supporters
Edo: Ihonvbere’s defeat was linked to a zoning agreement between Owan East and West, with Hon Eseosa Iyawe also losing in Oredo
Delta: Ndudi Elumelu secured Aniocha/Oshimili, while Erhiatake Ibori won Ethiope
Ogun: Olumide Osoba emerged for Owode/Abeokuta North/Odeda
Kogi: Leke Abejide, formerly of ADC, won unopposed in Yagba
Plateau: Yusuf Gagdi was endorsed for Pankshin/Kanke/Kanam
Jigawa: Five incumbents retained their tickets, while four lost to new aspirants
Ekiti: HoR spokesman Akintunde Rotimi won in Ekiti North I, defeating five rivals.
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