Former Deputy National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Olabode George, has alleged that Nigeria’s democracy is under threat, accusing unnamed political interests of attempting to weaken opposition parties through the manipulation of state institutions and the judiciary ahead of the 2027 general elections.
George made the remarks while reacting to the recent judgment of the Court of Appeal in Abuja, which upheld an order restraining the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from recognising state congresses conducted by committees constituted by the David Mark-led caretaker leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
In a statement issued on Monday, the PDP chieftain described the development as part of a broader effort to undermine constitutional democracy and suppress political opposition.
“What is unfolding before our eyes is nothing short of an assault on constitutional democracy,” George said.
“There appears to be a deliberate attempt to weaponise institutions of state against opposition political parties because some people are afraid of allowing Nigerians to freely choose their leaders. That is not democracy. That is political intimidation.”
George also criticised Abdulrahman Mohammed, who is associated with the Nyesom Wike-backed faction of the PDP, arguing that leadership of a major political party should be earned through years of service and democratic legitimacy.
According to him, the issue is not Mohammed’s previous occupation but what he described as the absence of a recognised record of service and contribution to the PDP.
“There is nothing dishonourable about being a driver. Honest labour deserves dignity and respect,” George said.
“However, nobody becomes the National Chairman of one of Africa’s largest political parties by executive fiat or political manipulation. Leadership is earned through years of sacrifice, service, loyalty, commitment and democratic legitimacy.”
He alleged that certain interests were attempting to infiltrate and destabilise the PDP from within by imposing party leadership.
The elder statesman further argued that both the judiciary and INEC must remain neutral and operate strictly within their constitutional mandates.
Citing several Supreme Court and Court of Appeal decisions, including Onuoha v. Okafor (1983), Dalhatu v. Turaki (2003) and Umeh v. Ejike (2013), George maintained that the internal affairs of political parties are generally non-justiciable except where expressly provided by law.
He stressed that INEC’s constitutional role is to regulate elections and monitor political parties rather than determine party leadership.
“Once institutions established to protect democracy begin to determine the leadership of political parties, the very foundation of constitutional democracy is placed in jeopardy,” he stated.
George also warned against what he described as the abuse of political power, noting that no government strengthens democracy by weakening its institutions.
“I have served this country under military rule and under democracy. I know what happens when institutions lose their independence. Power is temporary. Institutions must endure,” he said.
The PDP stalwart called on the judiciary to remain faithful to the Constitution, urged INEC to discharge its responsibilities without fear or favour, and appealed to President Bola Tinubu to ensure that government institutions remain impartial.
He maintained that the strength of any democratic government lies in the independence of its institutions rather than political dominance.
“The continued weaponisation of institutions against the opposition is dangerous for our national stability. A democracy without a credible opposition is no democracy at all,” George said.
He concluded by reaffirming his commitment to defending Nigeria’s democracy through lawful and constitutional means.
“No individual is greater than Nigeria. No political party is greater than the Constitution. Democracy must prevail,” he added.
