PDP Crisis: Bode George Urges NJC to Protect Judiciary’s Independence

Former Deputy National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Bode George, has called on the National Judicial Council (NJC) to protect the independence and credibility of the judiciary following a recent court judgment linked to the party’s leadership crisis.

He made the appeal in an open letter addressed to the Chairman of the NJC, expressing concern over developments he believes could weaken public confidence in the justice system.

George said he decided to speak as a concerned citizen, a democrat and a member of the PDP Board of Trustees because the court ruling raised questions about the role of the judiciary in protecting constitutional democracy.

According to him, the case was filed by the PDP Board of Trustees to compel the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to update its records in line with existing judgments of the Supreme Court, the Court of Appeal and the Federal High Court, which he said recognised the Kabiru Tanimu Turaki-led faction of the party.

He argued that instead of deciding the constitutional issues presented before it, the court dismissed the case and described it as a waste of judicial time. He also noted that the court ordered the PDP Board of Trustees to pay ₦140 million in costs and imposed an additional ₦10 million against the group’s lawyer.

George said the judgment goes beyond the internal affairs of the PDP because it raises wider questions about constitutional governance and the rule of law. He maintained that judgments delivered by higher courts should be respected and implemented until they are set aside by another court with the authority to do so.

The PDP chieftain also criticised the reported expulsion of some senior party members by the Nyesom Wike-led faction. He argued that such actions were inconsistent with the party’s structure and questioned how long-standing leaders and custodians of the party could be removed in that manner.

He warned that public confidence in the judiciary could suffer if court decisions create the impression of political influence or inconsistency with constitutional principles. According to him, the judiciary remains the final protector of the Constitution, and its independence must be preserved at all times.

George further stated that the National Judicial Council has both a constitutional and moral duty to protect judicial ethics, discipline and accountability. He said the council should not ignore situations where judicial decisions attract widespread public concern because confidence in the courts is essential to the survival of democracy.

He added that any decline in trust in the justice system could weaken democratic institutions, reduce respect for the rule of law and damage the country’s constitutional order.

He therefore urged the NJC to carry out its responsibilities with fairness and courage, insisting that preserving the integrity of the judiciary is necessary to maintain public confidence and protect Nigeria’s democracy.