APC Weaponising Judiciary to Destabilise Opposition, Undermine Democracy — Bode George

Former Deputy National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Olabode George, has accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of using the courts to destabilise opposition parties and weaken Nigeria’s democracy.

George made the allegation on Thursday in Lagos while reacting to a Federal High Court judgment that halted the PDP’s planned national convention scheduled to hold in Ibadan, Oyo State.

Describing the ruling by Justice Omotosho as “an aberration and an overreach”, the PDP stalwart said the court had no jurisdiction over matters that fall strictly within a political party’s internal affairs.

“What power does Justice Omotosho have to order PDP not to hold its National Convention? Has the judiciary gone to the dogs? INEC witnessed all our congresses. INEC is not complaining. The judge did not even call INEC to verify facts. Why is he complaining? Does he have a political interest?” George queried.

He warned that such judicial interference could ignite political instability, recalling the 1962 Western Region crisis that destabilised the First Republic.

“This is how the crisis in the Western Region started in 1962, which consumed the First Republic and led to the civil war. To continue along that path in 2025 is absolute lunacy,” he cautioned.

‘Judgment Triggered PDP Secretariat Invasion’

George alleged that the controversial ruling emboldened security operatives to invade the PDP National Secretariat in Abuja, allegedly acting in concert with a minority faction within the party.

“What a travesty of justice. This illegal act by security agents is a dangerous affront to internal democracy and the rule of law,” he said.

He condemned the deployment of armed personnel to the headquarters of a major political party, describing it as a direct assault on democratic values and the freedom of political association guaranteed by the Nigerian Constitution.

According to him, the development threatens national stability and projects a negative image of Nigeria’s democracy to the international community.

George Calls for Investigation

The PDP chieftain urged the Presidency, National Security Adviser, and heads of security agencies to immediately investigate the incident and withdraw the personnel involved.

“The sanctity of political institutions must be preserved. Nigeria stands at a critical crossroads. What we need now is restraint, dialogue, and a recommitment to democratic conduct,” he said.

APC Accused of Targeting Opposition Parties

George further accused the APC-led federal government of focusing on weakening opposition voices rather than confronting the nation’s worsening security challenges.

“Instead of going after terrorists, bandits, kidnappers, cattle rustlers and abductors, the APC administration is doing everything illegal, unlawful and shameful to destabilise opposition parties,” he said.

He maintained that the PDP would resist any attempt to subvert democracy through the courts, vowing that the party would remain committed to peace and justice.

“PDP remains committed to peace, unity and the defence of democracy. We will not be intimidated,” George declared.

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