A chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Bode George, has described the recent judgment of the Court of Appeal of Nigeria on the party’s leadership dispute as “absolutely disgusting and disheartening,” accusing sections of the judiciary of undermining justice and fairness in the country.
George made the remarks during an interview on Frontline, a public affairs programme on Eagle 102.5 FM in Ilese Ijebu, Ogun State, while reacting to the appellate court’s decision sitting in Abuja which upheld a ruling of the Federal High Court of Nigeria nullifying the PDP’s 2025 national convention held in Ibadan, Oyo State.
The Abuja court had barred the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from recognising the outcome of the convention where Kabiru Tanimu Turaki emerged as the party’s national chairman, citing the party’s alleged failure to comply with its constitution and internal procedures before conducting the convention.
‘A Show of Shame’
Reacting to the verdict, George said the ruling reflected poorly on the judiciary.
“There is a Court of Appeal in Abuja that went ahead and delivered a judgment I call absolutely disgusting and disheartening. It was a show of shame that legal luminaries could sit down and turn the truth upside down,” he said.
Referring to the symbol of justice often displayed in courts, George lamented what he described as a departure from the ideals of fairness.
“The lady of justice stands blindfolded before every court with a sword and a scale to dispense justice fairly. But if some members of the judiciary can see the truth and still twist it, one begins to wonder what is happening to justice in Nigeria,” he added.
Contradictory Rulings
George also questioned what he described as contradictory decisions from different panels of the appellate court.
According to him, a separate panel of the Court of Appeal of Nigeria sitting in Ibadan had earlier ruled that disputes concerning party leadership were internal matters that should primarily be resolved within the party.
“The panel in Ibadan advised the parties to go back, reconcile and possibly return for a consent judgment,” he said.
“But compare that with the ruling in Abuja. It is the same court, for God’s sake. What exactly is going on in this country?”
Historical Warning
The PDP chieftain also warned that unresolved political conflicts could have far-reaching consequences, drawing parallels with the political turmoil in Nigeria’s past.
George referenced the 1962 Western Region Crisis, noting that political instability during that period eventually contributed to the 1966 Nigerian coup d’état and the Nigerian Civil War.
“The beginning of a crisis can never tell you how it will end. Why are we forcing crises upon ourselves when history has shown us where it leads?” he asked.
Possible Supreme Court of Appeal
George said the party was awaiting the certified true copy of the judgment to fully understand the reasoning behind the decision before determining its next line of action.
According to him, the PDP may approach the Supreme Court of Nigeria if its legal team concludes that the ruling warrants further challenge.
“Once our lawyers study the details, we will decide whether to go to the Supreme Court. History will not be kind to those who manipulate the law,” he said.
Reconciliation Efforts
Despite the legal battle, George said the party remained committed to reconciliation and internal cohesion.
He noted that the PDP Board of Trustees, led by former Senate President Adolphus Wabara, had initiated moves to reconcile aggrieved factions within the party ahead of the 2027 general elections.
“We have accepted the directive of the Ibadan court to explore reconciliation, and a team has already been set up to engage all factions,” he said.
Comments on Wike and Defections
George also commented on the role of Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, in the party’s crisis, warning that personal ambitions and grievances could undermine party unity.
“He was part of the leadership and a party man, but when he felt wronged, the same greed that drives internal conflict came into play,” George said.
He also dismissed claims that recent defections from the PDP were orchestrated externally, insisting they were largely the result of internal disagreements.
Criticism of Tinubu’s Administration
George further criticised the administration of Bola Ahmed Tinubu, arguing that leadership requires competence, fairness and vision.
“Leadership is more than occupying an office. Governance requires integrity and the courage to make decisions that benefit all Nigerians,” he said.
Public Reactions
During the programme, callers from different parts of the country also weighed in on the PDP crisis.
Some questioned the party’s developmental record during its years in power, while others expressed concern over conflicting court rulings on political matters.
Responding, George urged party members and supporters to remain committed to unity, insisting that the PDP remained a strong political force as Nigeria prepares for the 2027 elections.
