Former Deputy National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Bode George, has raised concerns over what he described as a growing threat to Nigeria’s democracy, alleging that state institutions and the judiciary are being manipulated to weaken opposition parties ahead of the 2027 general elections.
George, in a statement on Tuesday, reacted to the 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).
The elder statesman argued that recent political developments suggest a deliberate attempt to undermine constitutional democracy by interfering in the internal affairs of opposition political 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,” George said.
He described such actions as political intimidation rather than democratic governance, warning that attempts to weaken opposition parties could endanger Nigeria’s democratic system.
George also criticised Abdulrahman Mohammed, chairman of the Nyesom Wike-backed faction of the PDP, questioning his qualifications and democratic credentials to lead the opposition party.
According to him, leadership of a major political party cannot be attained through political imposition or executive influence but must be earned through years of commitment, sacrifice and service.
“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,” he said.
George maintained that the issue was not Mohammed’s previous occupation but what he described as the absence of a recognised record of leadership, contribution and participation in the PDP’s democratic evolution.
He alleged that forces seeking to destabilise the opposition were attempting to use the party’s internal leadership dispute as a means of weakening the PDP ahead of future elections.
“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,” he stated.
The PDP chieftain further argued that the judiciary and INEC must remain faithful to constitutional provisions and established judicial precedents regarding the internal affairs of political parties.
He cited several Supreme Court decisions, including *Onuoha v. Okafor (1983)*, *Dalhatu v. Turaki (2003)* and the Court of Appeal judgment in *Umeh v. Ejike (2013)*, which, according to him, consistently held that the internal administration of political parties is generally not justiciable except where expressly provided by law.
George said INEC’s constitutional responsibility is to register political parties, monitor their activities and conduct elections, stressing that the electoral commission should avoid any action that creates the impression of determining 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 warned.
Reflecting on his political experience under both military and civilian administrations, George cautioned against the abuse of political power, saying history has consistently shown that governments weaken themselves when they undermine democratic institutions.
He maintained that no government has the constitutional or moral authority to determine who should lead an opposition party, insisting that such decisions belong to political parties and ultimately the electorate.
George also called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to ensure that government institutions remain impartial and above partisan interests, arguing that the true legacy of any administration lies in strengthening democratic institutions rather than securing political victories.
He urged the judiciary to remain faithful to the Constitution and appealed to INEC to discharge its responsibilities without fear or favour.
“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,” he said.
George concluded by reaffirming his commitment to defending democracy through lawful and constitutional means, insisting that no individual or political party is greater than the Nigerian Constitution.
“Power is transient. Every abuse of power has an expiry date. Every attempt to subvert democracy ultimately collapses under the weight of justice and truth. No individual is greater than Nigeria. No political party is greater than the Constitution. Democracy must prevail,” he said.
