PDP Leadership Dispute Deepens as Bode George Criticises Court Judgment

Elder statesman and prominent Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftain, Bode George, has strongly criticised a recent judgment delivered by the Court of Appeal (Nigeria) concerning the PDP leadership dispute, describing the ruling as “absolutely disgusting and disheartening.” George accused sections of the judiciary of undermining justice, fairness, and the rule of law, raising concerns about the credibility of legal decisions affecting internal political party affairs.

Speaking during an interview on Frontline, a public affairs programme on Eagle 102.5 FM in Ilese Ijebu, Ogun State, George addressed the controversial ruling by the Abuja division of the Court of Appeal. The court upheld an earlier judgment by the Federal High Court (Nigeria) nullifying the PDP’s 2025 national convention held in Ibadan, Oyo State. The decision has further intensified the internal crisis within the PDP

Court Decision Deepens PDP Leadership Crisis

The Abuja Court of Appeal ruling affirmed that the PDP failed to comply with its constitutional procedures and internal guidelines before organising the 2025 national convention. As a result, the court barred the Independent National Electoral Commission from recognising the outcome of the convention.

At the convention in Ibadan, party stakeholders had announced Kabiru Tanimu Turaki as the national chairman of the PDP. However, the court maintained that the processes leading to the convention did not meet the legal standards required for such a major party decision, thereby nullifying the results.

The judgment has created fresh uncertainty within the party’s leadership structure as rival factions continue to contest legitimacy and authority. Political analysts note that the court ruling may have broader implications for the PDP’s organisational stability ahead of future electoral cycles.

Bode George Questions Judicial Consistency

Reacting to the decision, George expressed deep dissatisfaction, stating that the ruling undermines confidence in the judicial system. According to him, the judgment represents a troubling departure from the principles of fairness and equity expected from the courts.

He questioned how judges could, in his view, “turn the truth upside down,” arguing that such rulings risk damaging public trust in the judiciary. George also referenced the symbolic representation of justice — the blindfolded figure holding scales and a sword — saying the ideals it represents appear to be increasingly absent in Nigeria’s legal system.

George contrasted the Abuja ruling with another decision delivered by the Ibadan division of the Court of Appeal. According to him, the Ibadan panel had previously suggested that disputes regarding party leadership and elected managers should largely remain internal party matters rather than issues for judicial determination.

Calls for Reconciliation and Possible Supreme Court Appeal

Despite his criticism of the Abuja judgment, George said the party leadership is willing to pursue reconciliation efforts to resolve the crisis. He revealed that the PDP has begun setting up internal mechanisms aimed at engaging rival factions and restoring unity within the party.

The reconciliation initiative is reportedly supported by the party’s Board of Trustees, led by former Senate President Adolphus Wabara. The initiative is intended to stabilise the party structure and strengthen its political position as preparations gradually begin for the 2027 general elections.

However, George indicated that legal options remain open. He stated that the party could take the case to the Supreme Court of Nigeria if necessary, seeking a final judicial determination on the matter. According to him, the party will weigh both reconciliation and legal strategies in an effort to protect its internal democratic processes.