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By Tracy Moses
Members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Caucus in the House of Representatives have urged the National Judicial Council (NJC) to caution judges against allowing themselves to be used by desperate politicians seeking to subvert Nigeria’s democratic system.
In a statement released on Monday and signed by the Leader of the PDP Caucus, Hon. Fred Agbedi, the lawmakers expressed alarm over what they described as the “increasing judicial meddling” in the internal matters of political parties, warning that such actions threaten the stability of the nation’s democracy.
Their statement was in reaction to a recent ruling by the Federal High Court, Abuja, which declined to issue an interim injunction halting the PDP’s scheduled meetings and national convention but nonetheless made pronouncements that effectively negated its refusal to grant the injunction.
The case, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/2120/2025, was instituted by some party members, Austine Nwachukwu (PDP Chairman, Imo State), Amah Abraham Nnanna (Chairman, Abia State Chapter), and Turnah George (South-South Secretary), seeking to compel the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to stop the PDP from convening any meetings, congresses, or conventions pending the determination of the substantive suit.
Although Justice James Omotosho refused to grant the ex parte motion, he proceeded to declare that any steps taken by the party during the pendency of the case would be null and void, a statement the lawmakers said could embolden anti-democratic forces attempting to stall the PDP’s activities.
“We are deeply troubled that despite multiple Supreme Court rulings warning against judicial interference in party administration, some judges still make themselves available to serve the interests of politicians bent on eroding our democracy,” the caucus stated.
They added, “While Justice Omotosho declined to restrain the PDP from holding its convention, his subsequent declaration that any action taken during the pendency of the suit would be void could be exploited by those scheming to prevent the PDP from holding its convention or fielding candidates for the 2027 general elections.”
Describing the judge’s comments as “judicial overreach,” the lawmakers said such pronouncements could be interpreted as giving legal backing to those trying to cripple the main opposition party.
They noted that some of the individuals involved in the case had previously engaged in similar acts of judicial manipulation, urging the NJC to act swiftly to prevent further abuse of court processes that could jeopardize multiparty democracy in Nigeria.
“The future of our democracy depends on a judiciary that is impartial, independent, and guided by integrity. The NJC must ensure that the courts are not turned into instruments for political manipulation or the erosion of democratic values,” the statement concluded