Former Deputy National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Olabode George, has condemned a Friday judgement by Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court, Abuja to stop the party’s National Convention scheduled for November 15 and 16 in Ibadan, Oyo State.

Describing the judgement as “the joke of the century, open recipe for anarchy and a display of judicial brigandage,” George expressed concern that the ruling could lead to a breakdown of law and order in the country.

In a statement, George, the Atona Oodua of Yorubaland, urged the Chief Justice of Nigeria and the National Judicial Council to intervene and call the judge to order.

According to George, the PDP had complied with all necessary regulations, including the provisions of the 1999 Constitution, guidelines of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), and its own Constitution, in preparation for the convention.

He noted that INEC officials were present during the party’s congresses leading to the convention and did not raise any objections.

George questioned the judge’s authority to intervene in the party’s internal affairs, suggesting that the judgement may be motivated by political interests.

He emphasised that the PDP is a well-established party with a history of following the law and that the judiciary should not interfere with its internal dynamics.

The PDP leader warned that the judgement could have serious consequences, citing the example of the Western Region crisis in 1962, which led to the collapse of the First Republic and ultimately, the civil war from 1967 to 1970.

He called on the judiciary to exercise caution and avoid actions that could undermine democracy in Nigeria.

He said: “This judgement will consume this country. It is high time the judge put down his wig and gown to join politics. What is going on? This doesn’t have any sense at all. This was how the defunct Western Region crisis started in 1962, leading to the collapse of the First Republic. Pitiably, this led to the civil war from 1967 to 1970.
“I call on the Chief Justice of Nigeria and the National Judicial Council to call this judge to order. Any judgement capable of leading to a breakdown of law and order should be avoided. What power does he have to order the PDP not to have its National Convention? Has the judiciary gone to the dogs?
“During all our congresses leading to this convention, INEC officials were present.
“The electoral body witnessed the procedure. They took notes. INEC is not complaining. The judge did not even call INEC officials to cross-check facts, and tell him what they witnessed during our congresses. So, why is the judge complaining? Does he have a political interest?
“What type of judgement is this? Are we still in a democracy? 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.
“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, as laid down by the founding fathers. So, nobody should teach us what we already know.”