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From Ndubuisi Orji, Abuja
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) caucus in the House of Representatives has implored the National Judicial Council (NJC) to caution judges against being used by politicians to derail the country’s democracy.
The caucus,in a statement by its leader, Fredrick Agbedi, on Monday, expressed concern over alleged judicial interference in the affairs of political parties, stating that it portends danger for the stability of the country’s democracy.
The opposition lawmakers, who were reacting to a suit, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/2120/2025, reportedly filed by messrs Austine Nwachukwu, PDP Chairman in Imo State; Amah Abraham Nnanna, Chairman of the Abia State Chapter; and Turnah George, seeking to stall pending meetings, congresses and national convention pending the determination of the substantive suit.
The lawmakers stated that it is worrisome that despite Supreme Court stance against judicial interference in internal affairs of political parties, some judges still entertain such suits.
According to them, “We are deeply concerned that despite repeated Supreme Court pronouncements against judicial interference in the internal affairs of political parties, some judges continue to make themselves available as instruments in the hands of desperate politicians seeking to subvert democracy and impose a one-party on Africa’s largest democracy.
“We are worried that while Justice James Omotosho refused to grant restraining order asked by the plaintiffs in this case, he still went ahead to declare that any action taken by party in preparation for its National convention during the pendency of the suit shall be null and void, might embolden anti-democratic elements determined to truncate democratic process in Nigeria.
“These pronouncements clearly provide an enabler for those who do not want the PDP National convention to hold so that the main opposition political party in Nigeria will not be able to present candidates in the Presidential and other elections in 2027.
“It is worrisome that while the court refused to grant the restraining order requested by the plaintiffs, it still made pronouncements that could be interpreted as providing legal cover for those intent on halting the PDP’s democratic processes. This, in our view, amounts to judicial overreach.”
They added “The survival of our democracy depends on the independence, integrity, and impartiality of the judiciary. The NJC must ensure that no court becomes a willing tool for the subversion of the will of the people or the destabilization of political institutions.”
