Former Peoples Democratic Party Deputy National Chairman, Chief Olabode George, has called on the National Judicial Council to safeguard the independence, credibility and integrity of Nigeria’s judiciary.
George made the appeal in an open letter addressed to the NJC Chairman, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, amid continuing legal disputes over the leadership of the opposition party.
The PDP Board of Trustees member presented the letter during a news conference in Lagos.
The document was titled, “The Imperative of Preserving the Sanctity, Independence and Integrity of the Nigerian Judiciary.”
George expressed concern about recent court decisions connected to the PDP leadership crisis, arguing that they could weaken public confidence in the judicial system.
His concerns followed legal proceedings initiated by members of the PDP Board of Trustees against the Independent National Electoral Commission.
The suit sought an order compelling INEC to update its records to reflect the PDP leadership headed by Chief Kabiru Tanimu Turaki, SAN.
George criticised the court’s rejection of the case, describing the development as troubling and inconsistent with what he considered established constitutional and judicial principles.
He warned that public confidence could be seriously damaged whenever court decisions created a perception of political influence or inconsistency.
According to the PDP chieftain, such concerns must be addressed to protect not only the reputation of individual courts but also the legitimacy of the judiciary.
George maintained that a functioning democracy required a justice system trusted by citizens and protected from political interference.
He argued that judicial independence remained essential to maintaining the rule of law and preventing abuses of constitutional authority.
The former PDP national officer said the NJC had both a constitutional and moral responsibility to ensure that judicial officers remained accountable and above reproach.
He warned that declining confidence in the courts could affect respect for lawful authority, weaken democratic institutions and damage the relationship between citizens and the state.
George called on judges to demonstrate courage, impartiality and strict loyalty to their judicial oath.
He also urged the NJC to show through its decisions that the judiciary remained protected from external influence and committed only to the Constitution and applicable laws.
According to him, the judiciary can continue to serve as the last hope of ordinary Nigerians only when citizens believe that justice is administered without political pressure or favouritism.
George asked the council to discharge its oversight responsibilities firmly and impartially in defence of judicial ethics and accountability.
He said decisive action by the NJC would help preserve the honour of the bench and reassure Nigerians that the courts remained faithful to the rule of law.
Turning to the internal crisis within the PDP, George described the opposition party as a deeply rooted political organisation that could survive its current challenges.
He vowed to remain vocal in defence of the party and continue speaking against actions he believed could weaken it.
George also urged PDP members and supporters to remain committed to the survival and rebuilding of the party.
He said he would not remain silent while the PDP was being undermined, stressing that members must work together to prevent the party’s collapse.
