The Democratic Front (TDF) has condemned former Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Deputy National Chairman (South), Chief Olabode George, over his criticism of the judiciary following a recent Court of Appeal ruling on the African Democratic Congress (ADC), describing his allegations as reckless, unfounded and an attempt to blackmail the courts.
In a statement signed by its Chairman, Danjuma Mallam Muhammad, and Secretary, Chief Wale Adedayo, the group said the judiciary merely acted as a constitutional arbiter in a matter brought before it by aggrieved members of the ADC.
The Court of Appeal had upheld an order restraining the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from recognising the state congresses organised by the ADC.
TDF argued that, as a former military administrator, Bode George should appreciate the constitutional role of the judiciary instead of attacking it over a judicial decision.
“We find it particularly sad that Chief Bode George was clearly attempting to blackmail the judiciary and prejudice the right of aggrieved members of the ADC to seek redress in court over what they considered a violation of their fundamental rights,” the statement said.
The group described efforts by George and other opposition figures to portray the ruling as a conspiracy against the ADC as “irresponsible, rascally and unfounded.”
According to TDF, the crisis within the ADC stemmed from the manner in which the party’s leadership under former Senate President David Mark allegedly took over the party without following due constitutional process or complying with existing laws regulating political parties.
It also accused the ADC leadership of unlawfully dissolving state executive committees before the expiration of their tenure, describing the action as “a political sacrilege” and a violation of democratic principles.
The organisation maintained that the Appeal Court judgment was aimed at restoring the rule of law and protecting the rights of party members affected by the leadership’s actions.
TDF further blamed the internal crises in opposition parties on what it described as the “greed and desperation for power” among opposition politicians, insisting that the judiciary should not be held responsible for political disputes.
The group urged Nigerians to disregard what it called attempts by Bode George and other opposition figures to undermine public confidence in the judiciary through unfounded allegations.
