Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Board of Trustees member Bode George has criticized the dismissal of a lawsuit filed by the party’s Board of Trustees, arguing that the court failed to address what he described as important constitutional issues relating to existing court judgments and the responsibilities of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
According to a report by The Guardian published on Saturday, July 25, 2026, George expressed his dissatisfaction while speaking on concerns surrounding the judiciary and the handling of the Board of Trustees’ legal action against INEC.
George said the court’s decision to dismiss the suit overlooked fundamental constitutional questions that, in his view, deserved judicial consideration. He also criticized the award of costs against the applicants, maintaining that the case raised issues that extended beyond the internal affairs of the PDP.
According to him, the dispute involved broader questions about constitutional governance, the enforcement of valid court judgments, and respect for judicial precedents.
George argued that court judgments remain binding unless they are set aside by a higher court, adding that institutions and public officials should continue to respect such decisions until they are lawfully overturned.
During his remarks, he also criticized members of the faction aligned with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, over claims that certain senior figures within the party had been expelled.
He questioned the legitimacy of those claims, describing the affected individuals as long-standing custodians of the PDP.
“The Wike faction said they have expelled permanent members of the upper echelon of the party, the custodians of the party. What a joke! Despite this absurdity, the judge concluded in his judgment that we were wasting the time of the court,” George said.
He maintained that the issues brought before the court were not merely internal party disagreements but matters with significant constitutional implications.
According to George, the central question was whether existing judicial decisions and constitutional provisions were being properly observed. He argued that these issues should have been examined on their merits rather than dismissed without what he considered adequate consideration of the constitutional questions involved.
The PDP chieftain further expressed concern about the implications of the judgment for Nigeria’s democratic system, stating that courts play a crucial role in safeguarding constitutional order and ensuring compliance with the rule of law.
He argued that judicial decisions involving the interpretation and enforcement of existing court rulings should receive careful consideration because of their potential impact on governance and democratic institutions.
George also called on the National Judicial Council (NJC) to continue protecting the integrity, credibility, and independence of the judiciary.
According to him, maintaining public confidence in the courts is essential to preserving the rule of law and ensuring that citizens continue to trust the country’s justice system.
He warned that any perception of political interference in judicial proceedings could undermine confidence in the judiciary and weaken respect for democratic institutions.
George stressed that judicial independence remains a cornerstone of constitutional democracy, adding that judges must be guided solely by the Constitution, established legal principles, and the evidence presented before the courts.
He urged the NJC to remain vigilant in safeguarding the independence of judicial officers and ensuring that the administration of justice remains free from external influence.
In his concluding remarks, George appealed to the council to reaffirm public confidence in Nigeria’s judiciary by ensuring that judicial officers remain committed to the Constitution, the rule of law, and the fair administration of justice.
He said protecting the integrity of the courts is essential for strengthening accountability, preserving democratic governance, and maintaining confidence in Nigeria’s constitutional institutions.
George’s comments come amid continuing disagreements within the PDP over leadership and party administration, with rival factions pursuing both political and legal avenues to resolve their differences. His remarks underscore the broader debate over the role of the judiciary in resolving disputes that carry constitutional and political significance.
