Former Deputy National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Olabode George, has cautioned against what he described as attempts to use the judiciary and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to undermine the opposition party amid its ongoing leadership crisis.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, George alleged that some individuals were seeking to destabilise the PDP ahead of the 2027 general elections by interfering in its internal affairs through state institutions.
The elder statesman said recent developments within the party point to a disturbing trend of political interference, warning that weakening opposition parties poses a threat to Nigeria’s constitutional democracy.
He maintained that political parties have the constitutional right to manage their internal affairs and urged the judiciary to remain impartial and uphold the rule of law.
George also called on INEC to perform its constitutional responsibilities without fear or favour, stressing that the electoral body should not be perceived as taking sides in disputes over party leadership.
He further appealed to President Bola Tinubu to ensure that government institutions remain independent and free from partisan influence, arguing that the strength of any democracy lies in the independence of its institutions and the existence of a credible opposition.
According to George, no government has the constitutional or moral authority to determine the leadership or candidates of an opposition political party, insisting that such decisions should be left to party members and the electorate.
The PDP Chieftain warned that the misuse of democratic institutions for political purposes could undermine national stability and reaffirmed the PDP’s commitment to defending democracy through lawful and constitutional means.
