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By Chinelo Obogo
Former deputy national president of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Olabode George, has urged President Bola Tinubu to address what he describes as brazen constitutional violations in the federal government’s handling of the opposition party’s internal crisis.
At a press conference in his Lagos office on Tuesday George who spoke on the recent sealing of the PDP national secretariat, condemned the deployment of police protection to individuals he described as party renegades, saying the action completely illegal and warning that it is damaging Nigeria’s democratic image both at home and abroad.
He said Nigeria is entering a troubling season, one where the very principles of democracy are being tested and that those entrusted with safeguarding the country to be undermining it through actions that erode trust, civility and institutional integrity. Rather than strengthening democratic institutions, George said that some actors are lowering standards, sidelining critical reasoning and placing personal ambition over national interest. In the process, he said, Nigerians are paying a painful price.
“Across the country from Kebbi to Zamfara, Borno to Benue, Kwara to Ogun, citizens are being abducted and killed by violent elements. Instead of responding with urgency, the APC-led Federal Government appears preoccupied with political positioning ahead of 2027, even if it means weakening institutions and suffocating the opposition.
“The recent disruption at the PDP Secretariat on November 18 is a grave warning. The actions of a group previously expelled for anti-party activities, reportedly encouraged by a serving Federal Minister, constitute an unacceptable assault on democratic order. Their attempt to prevent a duly-elected leadership from assuming office was not only unlawful but part of a broader pattern that threatens the future of multi-party democracy in Nigeria.
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“As a life member of the PDP Board of Trustees (BOT), I maintain without ambiguity: anyone wishing to leave the party is free to do so. A political party, like a tree, grows stronger when unhealthy branches fall away. But what must not continue is the deliberate provocation, the disregard for party rules, and the attempt to seize what does not belong to one. The forced entry into the PDP national secretariat crossed every line of decency and legality. Nigeria has moved beyond the era where sheer force overrides order. The question now is: Who authorised the police to take over the headquarters? Under what authority? Since when does a tenant overtake a landlord? It is troubling that, in the face of all this, the President, the custodian of our democracy, has remained silent. Silence at such a moment can only be interpreted as tacit approval.
“Those in charge of the polity have closed their ears to reasoning and deliberately coming out with actions capable of disintegrating the country. It is disheartening that Nigeria is precariously and dangerously staggering on the path of self-destruction. I want to reiterate that what the Federal Government is doing in this PDP matter, by giving police protection to some renegades who have vowed to destroy our party, is completely illegal and Nigerians know this. Constitutionality is being disregarded and disrespected. It is not possible for illegality to overcome legality. It will never happen, now or later.
“Mr. President, this is not the time for silence. Our country’s image is suffering, and the actions of a few are giving governance an unfortunate public face. The younger generation, watching these events unfold, may grow disillusioned with democratic processes if this trajectory continues. The PDP governed Nigeria for 16 years without subjecting any political opponent to this level of harassment or institutional manipulation. It is, therefore, imperative that you call your minister to order and insist that he respects the laws of the land,” George said.
He further expressed concern about the role of the Judiciary, saying, “Why are PDP-related cases consistently channeled to the same few judges within the Abuja Division? The Judiciary must be seen to be impartial. Anything short of fairness weakens its moral authority. Our party’s national leadership led by Kabiru Turaki, has not called for the sealing of our headquarters, so, on whose order is the Police acting? Why the persistent effort to weaken the PDP ahead of 2027?”
Commenting on the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, he said: “To Minister Nyesom Wike, I speak as an elder: you have been a major beneficiary of the PDP , chairman of a Local Government, Chief of Staff, Minister, and Governor. The party nurtured your political rise. It is, therefore, painful to watch you take actions capable of damaging the very institution that supported you. Power is temporary; reputation is permanent. Do not allow yourself to be used as an instrument to destabilise the Republic. History is replete with lessons. When institutions are weakened, chaos follows. This is not the path Nigeria deserves.
“To Mr. President: is this democracy as envisioned by the Constitution, or are we drifting into a pattern of governance that contradicts its spirit? Repeated violations of due process and unchecked abuses of power undermine public confidence and threaten national cohesion. Nigeria stands at a crossroads. The current trajectory does not lead to peace or stability. If not halted, it could plunge the nation into deeper political crisis. Let this serve as a solemn warning: Enough is enough. This country belongs to all of us. Power is not eternal, and every leader must govern with that humility in mind. For the sake of our democracy, our history, and our children, the time to act responsibly is now. Nigeria cannot afford another avoidable political collapse.”
