Bode George Faults Court Decision Stopping PDP Convention, Calls on CJN to Act

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 an end to the party’s planned national electoral convention, which 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 only internal matters of political parties.

On Wednesday, November 5, 2025, he made this statement during a news conference at his Lagos office.

George expressed surprise that, in spite of prior court rulings, Justice Omotosho issued an injunction to halt the PDP convention.

He emphasized that the Supreme Court had made it clear 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 said unequivocally that Section 84 of the Electoral Act 2022 only permits litigation of matters pertaining to party primary elections.

“A congress to elect officers has to do with the political party’s internal management.” It cannot be litigated. Consequently, a court or tribunal lacks the authority to consider any disagreement that may arise from it,” he continued.

“Justice Omotosho Is Incorrect.”
George said that the judge’s ruling went against long-standing legal precepts.

He stated, “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 court is not allowed to meddle in a party’s internal matters. Thus, Justice Omotosho is obviously incorrect in this ruling.

The PDP leader warned that rulings that could lead to 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 prior to the convention.

“INEC has no complaints. INEC officials were not even called by the judge to verify the facts. What is the judge’s complaint, then? Does he have an interest in politics? “Is he employed by APC?” he asked.

He cautioned that this kind of judicial meddling could jeopardize Nigeria’s progress toward democracy. He warned, “The CJN and NJC should keep an eye on some of these judges before they set our democracy on fire.”

George claimed that the PDP has continuously followed constitutional procedures during 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 oversee its election process,” he declared.

He bemoaned the fact that security officers purportedly supporting 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 while cautioning that the nation is facing a delicate political moment.

“Nigeria is at a crucial juncture. Restraint, communication, and a renewed dedication to civilized democratic behavior are now necessary, he stated.

He restated the PDP’s dedication to national unity and stability.

George summed up by saying, “The PDP remains committed to peace, unity, and the defense of democracy.”