Former Deputy National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Bode George, has urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to fully enforce the recent Supreme Court judgment regarding the party's internal affairs. He warned that further delays could erode public confidence in democratic institutions.
Supreme Court Verdict Binding
In a statement titled “The Supreme Court Has Spoken: INEC Must Comply,” George emphasized that the apex court had conclusively resolved issues concerning the PDP’s leadership structure and internal processes. He stressed that the verdict is binding on all parties involved and must be respected without selective interpretation or administrative discretion.
According to George, the judgment affirmed the party’s constitutional authority to manage its affairs and upheld disciplinary actions taken against individuals who violated its rules. He described the decision as the final word on the matter, leaving no room for ambiguity or delay.
Concerns Over Non-Compliance
The PDP chieftain expressed concern that weeks after the judgment was delivered and communicated to relevant authorities, it has not been fully implemented. He questioned why a ruling from the nation’s highest court remains unattended despite its clear provisions, and why communications regarding its enforcement have gone unanswered.
George said this situation raises serious questions about respect for the rule of law and constitutional governance. He specifically called on INEC Chairman Professor Joash Amupitan to ensure compliance, noting that the electoral commission has a constitutional duty to uphold lawful court decisions.
Integrity of Institutions at Stake
“This is not merely about the PDP. It is about the integrity of our democratic institutions. It is about whether the rule of law will prevail over political expediency and whether constitutional order will triumph over manipulation,” George stated. He warned that the real danger facing Nigeria is not political disagreement but the gradual erosion of public trust in national institutions.
He maintained that when court judgments are ignored, delayed, or subjected to political considerations, democracy itself is weakened. George also alleged that despite the Supreme Court ruling, some individuals outside the party’s recognized leadership structure are still attempting to interfere in its affairs and create confusion.
Warning to Wike
While acknowledging that political disagreements are part of democracy, George singled out Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, as the public face of the crisis rocking the opposition party. He urged the former Rivers State governor to reflect on the implications of actions that many Nigerians perceive as deepening divisions within the PDP and heightening political tensions.
“What is at stake today is far greater than the fortunes of any individual politician. What is at stake is the integrity of our democratic process and the confidence of Nigerians in the institutions that sustain it,” George said.
Call for Institutional Strength
George cautioned political actors against seeking temporary advantages at the expense of constitutional order, warning that the consequences could be far-reaching. He said Nigeria needs leaders who strengthen institutions rather than weaken them, and that manipulation of lawful processes for political gain could endanger democratic stability.
Drawing from Nigeria’s political history, he warned that instability often begins when justice is denied and constitutional institutions fail to act impartially. “As one who witnessed the turbulent years that preceded Nigeria’s darkest national crisis, I must sound a note of caution. Political instability does not begin with conflict. It begins when justice is denied, when lawful authority is disregarded, and when constitutional institutions fail to act courageously and impartially,” he stated.
Call for Action
George urged INEC to act strictly in line with the Supreme Court judgment and constitutional provisions. He also called on former Heads of State, traditional rulers, religious leaders, senior jurists, and other prominent Nigerians to speak out in defense of justice, due process, and constitutional governance. “Silence at critical moments in a nation’s history can be costly,” he added.
