Bode George warns against using judiciary, INEC to destroy PDP

Chief Olabode George, a former Deputy National Chairman of Nigeria's Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has issued a strong warning against what he describes as efforts to capture the opposition party through judicial manipulation and the misuse of state institutions. George expressed concern over recent developments concerning the party's leadership crisis, alleging that certain forces are working to destabilize the PDP in anticipation of the 2027 general elections.

The PDP has been embroiled in a leadership dispute following a Supreme Court ruling that nullified a previous national convention. This verdict led to the reconstitution of an Interim National Working Committee, which continues to function alongside the leadership recognized by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and supported by a prominent faction. Meanwhile, another faction has proceeded with preparations for the 2027 elections, including selling nomination forms, and has received INEC recognition for its activities.

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What is unfolding before our eyes is nothing short of an assault on constitutional democracy. There appears to be a deliberate attempt to weaponise institutions of state against opposition political parties because some people are afraid of allowing Nigerians to freely choose their leaders. That is not democracy. That is political intimidation.

George characterized the unfolding events as an "assault on constitutional democracy" and a deliberate attempt to "weaponize institutions of state against opposition political parties." He specifically criticized the sudden prominence of a candidate for National Chairman, Abdulrahman Mohammed, questioning his democratic pedigree and history within the PDP. George argued that leadership within a major political party should be earned through "years of sacrifice, service, loyalty, commitment, and democratic legitimacy," rather than through executive fiat or political manipulation.

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Let me be absolutely clear. There is nothing dishonourable about being a driver. Honest labour deserves dignity and respect. However, nobody becomes the National Chairman of one of Africa’s largest political parties by executive fiat or political manipulation. Leadership is earned through years of sacrifice, service, loyalty, commitment, and democratic legitimacy.