A recent ruling by Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja has halted the scheduled National Convention of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), a decision that has drawn sharp criticism and sparked considerable controversy within political circles. The convention, originally slated for November 15 and 16 in Ibadan, Oyo State, was stopped after the court found that the PDP had failed to comply with crucial legal and procedural requirements.

Justice Omotosho's judgment asserted that the evidence presented before the court demonstrated the PDP's non-compliance with the provisions of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), guidelines set forth by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), and the party's own internal Constitution. Furthermore, the court declared that the party had failed to conduct valid state congresses—a prerequisite—before proceeding with the convention to elect its national officers.

Reacting vehemently to the judgment, Chief Olabode George, a former deputy national chairman of the PDP, lambasted the ruling as "the joke of the century, open recipe for anarchy and a display of judicial brigandage." George expressed grave concerns about the implications of the judgment, stating, "This judgment will consume this country." He went further to suggest that the judge should "put down his wig and gown to join politics," questioning the rationale and impartiality of the ruling.

Chief George issued a direct appeal to the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) and the National Judicial Council (NJC), urging them to "call this judge to order." He emphasized the potential for such a judgment to instigate a breakdown of law and order, querying the judiciary's authority to interfere with a political party's National Convention and asking rhetorically, "Has the judiciary gone to the dogs?"

Highlighting the party's due process, George pointed out that INEC officials were present during all congresses leading up to the convention. He noted that the electoral body witnessed the procedures, took notes, and had not registered any complaints. He critically observed that the judge did not bother to consult INEC officials to cross-verify facts, leading him to question whether the judge harbored a political interest in the matter. "So, why is the judge complaining? Does he have a political interest?" he pressed.

George reiterated the importance of judicial prudence in a democratic society, cautioning, "We have to be careful in this country. The CJN and NJC should monitor some of these judges before they set our democracy on fire." He proudly asserted the PDP's long-standing adherence to legal and constitutional processes, stating, "PDP is the oldest and most experienced party in the country today. Since 1998 when we formed this party, we have always followed the law during our congresses and conventions. So, nobody should teach us what we already know."

In a broader condemnation, Chief George lamented what he perceives as the judiciary being used to undermine democracy in Nigeria, the world's largest black-populated country. He categorically dismissed all grounds for the judgment, maintaining that it falls outside the prerogative of the court to meddle in the internal affairs of a political party, especially concerning its inherent dynamics and constitutional framework.