By Daily Review Online
Elder statesman and chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party, Chief Olabode George, has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to immediately comply with a Supreme Court judgment concerning the internal affairs of the party, warning that failure to do so could weaken Nigeria’s democratic institutions.
In a strongly worded statement titled, “The Supreme Court Has Spoken: INEC Must Comply,” George expressed concern over what he described as the continued delay in implementing the apex court’s decision regarding the leadership structure and disciplinary processes within the PDP.
The former Deputy National Chairman of the party said the Supreme Court had affirmed the lawful structure and democratic operations of the PDP, including the suspension of members who acted contrary to the party’s constitution.
According to him, the judgment of the apex court is final and binding on all individuals, institutions and government agencies, stressing that no authority in the country ranks above the Supreme Court.
“It is not a suggestion. It is not open to selective interpretation. It is not subject to administrative convenience,” George declared.
The PDP chieftain questioned why weeks after the judgment was delivered and communicated, there appeared to be reluctance to fully implement its provisions.
He specifically called attention to the role of INEC Chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, noting that as a Professor of Law and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, he should understand the constitutional implications of disregarding a Supreme Court judgment.
“This is not merely about the PDP. This is about the integrity of our democratic institutions. This is about whether the rule of law will prevail over political expediency,” George stated.
The elder statesman also took aim at the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, accusing him of contributing to division within the opposition and creating unnecessary tension within the political landscape.
George said no democracy could flourish where individuals seek to exercise influence without accountability or undermine established constitutional processes for personal political ambition.
“No one can profess loyalty to one political party while advancing the interests of another,” he said, warning against what he described as “political double dealing.”
The PDP leader warned that the erosion of public confidence in institutions often begins when court judgments are ignored or subjected to political calculations.
Drawing from Nigeria’s political history, George cautioned against actions capable of triggering instability, saying political crises often begin when justice is denied and lawful authority disregarded.
He called on former Heads of State, traditional rulers, religious leaders and senior jurists to defend constitutional governance and due process.
“The rule of law must prevail. The authority of the Supreme Court must be respected. The integrity of our democratic process must be protected,” he added.
George concluded by insisting that the nation and history were watching how institutions and leaders respond to the issue, warning that posterity would judge those who fail to defend justice and constitutional order.