Former Deputy National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and member of the party’s Board of Trustees, Chief Bode George, has called on the National Judicial Council (NJC) to protect the integrity and independence of the judiciary, expressing concern over a recent court judgment arising from the party’s internal leadership dispute.

In an open letter on Friday addressed to the Chairman of the NJC, George said recent developments in the judiciary had raised serious concerns about public confidence in the administration of justice and the role of the courts in upholding constitutional democracy.

The PDP chieftain referenced a suit instituted by the chairman and members of the party’s Board of Trustees, which sought an order compelling the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to comply with what he described as subsisting judgments of the Supreme Court, Court of Appeal and Federal High Court by updating its records to reflect the faction of the party led by Chief Kabiru Tanimu Turaki (SAN).

According to him, rather than determining the substantive constitutional issues raised in the case, the court dismissed the action and awarded costs of N140 million against the Board of Trustees.

George described the decision as troubling, arguing that the matter involved fundamental questions regarding the enforcement of existing court judgments and INEC’s obligations under the law.

He also criticised the position of the faction aligned with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, over the expulsion of some senior party figures, describing the development as inconsistent with the structure and traditions of the party.

“It is the greatest joke in the civilised international community today. Morally and ethically is it possible for a child to expel a father from his house whilst the father is still alive.

“The Wike faction said they have expelled permanent members of the upper echelon of the party, the custodians of the party. What a joke! Despite this absurdity, the judge concluded in his judgment that we were wasting the time of the court,” he wrote.

The elder statesman maintained that Nigeria’s constitutional order is founded on the hierarchy of courts and the binding nature of judicial precedents, stressing that judgments of competent courts must be obeyed until set aside by a superior court.

He argued that the issues raised by the judgment extended beyond the PDP and touched on broader questions of constitutional governance and the administration of justice.

Citing Section 6 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), George said judicial officers are entrusted with the responsibility of interpreting and upholding the constitution without fear or favour and must ensure that litigants seeking enforcement of court judgments receive fair hearing and full consideration of their claims.

He urged the NJC to remain vigilant in its constitutional duty of preserving judicial independence, integrity and public trust, noting that confidence in the judiciary remains essential to the survival of constitutional democracy.

“The Nigerian people deserve a justice system they can trust, not one that appears to reward judicial impunity, embolden constitutional abuse and accelerate the nation’s slide towards institutional collapse,” he stated.

George warned that perceptions of political interference in judicial decisions, whether justified or not, could weaken public confidence in the courts and undermine the rule of law.

He described the present period as a defining moment in Nigeria’s constitutional history and called on the NJC to demonstrate courage, impartiality and firmness in safeguarding judicial ethics and accountability.

According to him, preserving the integrity of the judiciary is critical to maintaining respect for lawful authority, strengthening democratic institutions and protecting the constitutional order.

He added that the judiciary would remain the “last hope of the common man” only if Nigerians continue to believe that justice is administered according to the law and free from political influence.

George urged the council to reaffirm public confidence in the judiciary by ensuring that judicial officers remain committed solely to the constitution and the rule of law.