Former Deputy National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Olabode George, has cautioned against what he described as attempts to use the judiciary and state institutions to weaken the opposition ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In a statement on Tuesday, George said recent developments surrounding the party’s leadership dispute point to growing political interference capable of undermining constitutional democracy.
The PDP has remained divided following the Supreme Court’s ruling that nullified the party’s national convention, leading to the emergence of rival leadership structures and multiple legal battles.
George argued that political parties should be allowed to manage their internal affairs in line with their constitutions and existing laws, warning against what he called the weaponisation of democratic institutions.
He also criticised the emergence of Mohammed Abdulrahman as a leading figure within one of the rival factions, insisting that party leadership should be earned through years of commitment, service and democratic legitimacy.
According to him, the issue is not Abdulrahman’s previous occupation but what he described as an attempt to impose leadership through political influence.
The elder statesman urged the judiciary to remain independent and called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to perform its constitutional responsibilities without favouring any faction.
George also appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to ensure all democratic institutions remain impartial, arguing that no government has the constitutional authority to determine who leads an opposition political party.
He maintained that democracy thrives on strong institutions and credible opposition parties, warning that weakening either could threaten Nigeria’s democratic stability ahead of the 2027 elections.
