‘A democracy without a credible opposition is no democracy at all’ – Bode George

Olabode George, former deputy national chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has accused state institutions of being used to weaken opposition parties ahead of the 2027 general elections, warning that any attempt to interfere in the internal affairs of political parties poses a threat to Nigeria’s democracy.

George stated this while reacting to a Court of Appeal judgment 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, George described the development as part of a broader pattern of political interference aimed at undermining opposition parties.

“What is unfolding before our eyes is nothing short of an assault on constitutional democracy. 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.”

The PDP chieftain also criticised Abdulrahman Mohammed, chairman of the Nyesom Wike-backed faction of the PDP, saying he lacks the democratic credentials and political experience required to lead the party.

While stressing that there is dignity in all forms of honest labour, George argued that leadership of a major political party cannot be imposed through political influence.

“Let me be absolutely clear. There is nothing dishonourable about being a driver. Honest labour deserves dignity and respect.

“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 questioned Mohammed’s contributions to the PDP and accused unnamed interests of attempting to infiltrate and destabilise the party.

“Every discerning Nigerian can see what is happening. This is not about promoting one individual. This is about infiltrating, destabilising and ultimately destroying the PDP from within. Those behind this agenda are attempting to use one man as a vehicle to weaken the opposition.”

George maintained that both the judiciary and INEC must remain guided by constitutional provisions and established legal precedents regarding the internal affairs of political parties.

Citing Supreme Court decisions including Onuoha v. Okafor (1983) and Dalhatu v. Turaki (2003), he argued that party leadership disputes and other internal matters are generally outside the jurisdiction of the courts except where the Constitution expressly provides otherwise.

“The message from our superior courts has been consistent for over forty years: political parties must be allowed to regulate their own internal affairs within the framework of their constitutions and the law.”

He also cautioned INEC against actions that could create the impression that it is determining the leadership of political parties.

“INEC itself is a constitutional umpire. Its responsibility is to register political parties, monitor their activities as provided by law, and conduct free, fair and credible elections. It must never create the impression that it is determining who should lead a political party or taking sides in internal political disputes.”

According to him, democratic institutions are endangered when agencies established to protect democracy become involved in leadership contests within political parties.

George further warned against the concentration of political power, saying history shows that governments do not become stronger by weakening democratic 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.”

The former military governor of Ondo State called on President Bola Tinubu to ensure that government institutions operate without partisan influence and urged the judiciary to remain faithful to the Constitution.

“Democracy does not belong to the APC. It does not belong to the Presidency. It belongs to the Nigerian people.

“No government has the constitutional or moral authority to determine who should lead an opposition political party or who should contest an election. That decision belongs to political parties and ultimately to the Nigerian electorate.”

George said the opposition would continue to defend democratic principles through lawful means.

“We shall continue to defend democracy through every lawful and constitutional means. We owe that duty to those who fought for this democracy, to those who paid the supreme price for it, and to generations of Nigerians yet unborn.

“No individual is greater than Nigeria. No political party is greater than the Constitution. Democracy must prevail.”