Bode George blows hot on Appeal Court verdict on PDP leadership, says “absolutely disgusting, disheartening”

Elder statesman and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftain, Chief Bode George, has described the recent Appeal Court judgement on the party’s leadership dispute as “absolutely disgusting and disheartening,” accaccusisome sections of the judiciary of undermining justice, fairness, and the rule of law in Nigeria.

George spoke during an exclusive interview on Frontline, a public affairs programme on Eagle 102.5 FM, Ilese Ijebu, on Thursday, addressing the landmark ruling by the Abuja Appeal Court that upheld a Federal High Court decision nullifying the PDP’s 2025 national convention held in Ibadan, Oyo State.

Recall that the Abuja court barred the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from recognising the outcome of the Ibadan convention, where Kabiru Tanimu Turaki emerged as national chairman, arguing that the party failed to comply with constitutional and internal guidelines before organising the event.

■ A Show of Shame

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Reacting to the Abuja decision, Chief Bode George said the judgment was a disgrace to the judiciary.

“There is a Court of Appeal in Abuja that went all and decided on a judgment that I call absolutely disgusting, disheartening. It was a show of shame that legal luminaries who sit down and start to turn the truth upside down,” George said.

Invoking the iconic image of justice, he added: “The lady of justice, blindfolded in front of every court, holds a sword and a scale to dispense justice fairly. Because it’s the judiciary in this country, and not the majority of them — if some of them will see the truth, then tell lies and swing results, even laymen like me ask: did these people go to law school? What is going on in Nigeria, for God’s sake? There is no justice, fairness, or equity anymore.”

■ Contrasting Ibadan and Abuja Decisions

Chief George highlighted that while the Abuja court issued a strict, punitive judgment, the Ibadan panel of the Court of Appeal took a more nuanced approach.

“The same Court of Appeal in Ibadan looked at the case and said, ‘All issues of elected managers within your party are party matters, not for courts.’ They urged parties to go back, meet, reconcile, and return for a consent judgment if possible,” he said.

“Compare that with the ruling in Abuja. It’s the same court, for God’s sake. What is going on in this country?” he asked.

■ Tracing Roots to Internal Greed and History

In a lengthy reflection, George traced the PDP’s crisis to internal greed and mismanagement, linking it to historical lessons from Nigeria’s past.

“You know what this reminds me of? The 1962 crisis in the Western Region. That was 64 years ago. I was in Primary Four at the time. That’s how it started — tumbling, inquiries, then the first coup, the second coup, and the civil war,” George recalled.

He continued: “If you wear that robe of responsibility, it is honourable. But I was so disappointed. The beginning of a crisis can never tell you how it will end. Why are we forcing crises upon ourselves when history has shown us where it leads?

He urged Nigerians, especially the younger generation, not to ignore history’s lessons and to demand justice in current political affairs.

■ Waiting for Certified True Copy and Supreme Court Prospects

Chief George said the PDP is awaiting the certified true copy of the Abuja judgment to fully examine the reasoning.

“They read the introduction and jumped straight to the conclusion. We respect the judiciary, but we also seek justice and fairness. Once our lawyers see the details, then we will decide whether to go higher, to the Supreme Court. History will not be kind to those who manipulate the law.”

Reports indicate that the Turaki-led faction has already signalled its intention to appeal the Abuja decision to the Supreme Court for a final determination.

■ Internal Cohesion and Reconciliation Efforts

On internal party unity, George emphasised the PDP’s commitment to reconciliation.
“We have accepted the directive of the Ibadan court to explore reconciliation. A team has been set up to engage with other factions,” he said, echoing recent moves by the PDP Board of Trustees (BoT), under former Senate President Adolphus Wabara, to restore unity ahead of the 2027 elections.

“We are also prepared to take the Abuja judgment to the Supreme Court if necessary,” he added.

■ On Wike and Anti-Party Claims

Chief George addressed the role of FCT Minister Nyesom Wike in the party’s crisis:
“He was part of the leadership and a party man. But when he felt wronged, the same greed that drives internal conflict came into play. He even met with the President and implied he could influence the party to his side. That is dangerous for our unity,” he warned.

■ Defections and Party Democracy

George also addressed recent defections among senators and governors, insisting they stem from internal unrest, not external interference.

“No human being has the power to prevent any Nigerian from exercising their right to contest, unless legally disqualified,” he said.

He defended PDP’s long-standing zoning system and internal democratic practices, contrasting them with the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). According to him, PDP’s structures ensure inclusive representation across Nigeria’s diverse ethnic and regional landscape.

■ Electoral Act Amendments and Governance

Regarding amendments to the Electoral Act, including provisions on dual party membership, George urged caution:

“We understand the House passed a bill prohibiting dual party membership. It has to be signed by the President, and we are waiting to see the final form. We will study it carefully before taking any position,” he said, stressing that rushed reforms could destabilise political parties further.

On national leadership, Chief George did not spare President Bola Tinubu from criticism, describing his tenure as lacking vision and capacity.

“Leadership is more than occupying an office. You need competence, fairness, and the courage to make decisions that benefit all Nigerians. Governance requires vision and integrity. History will judge those in power who fail to act justly,” he said.

■ Callers’ Reactions on Frontline

Listeners across Nigeria shared their perspectives on the Frontline programme.
Adebayo from Lagos questioned PDP’s developmental record: “Since the last 15 years that the PDP ruled, what infrastructure and development did it bring to its own states? They promised roads and projects, but we did not see anything.”

Chief George clarified that major projects are the responsibility of state governments and cannot be solely attributed to the national party.

Wasiu from Ago-Iwoye added: “Justice must be served purely, not guru guru. We have one country in Abuja, another in Ibadan, contradictory rulings. We need a formidable opposition, and PDP should not be left out.”

Taiwo from Ijebu offered a physics analogy: “Using the first law of motion, everybody is in uniform motion unless acted upon by an external force. PDP was in a good motion, then external factors destabilised it.”

Chief George acknowledged all contributions, urging members to work towards unity and reaffirming that PDP remains a vital political force as Nigeria approaches the 2027 elections.