..Cites S’ Court ruling directing political parties to resolve internal crises internally
By Sofiyyah Layole
A former Deputy National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Bode George, has faulted party members who have taken internal disputes to court ahead of the party’s national convention, describing their actions as “a digression from normalcy” and a threat to unity within the party.
Chief George’s remarks come amid growing uncertainty over the PDP’s convention, with multiple court cases challenging the process.
Despite the tension, the party elder remains optimistic that unity will prevail and that the PDP will emerge stronger after the convention.
Speaking on Tuesday during an interview on Channels Television, the PDP stalwart condemned the decision of some aggrieved members, including former Jigawa State governor, Sule Lamido, to seek legal redress over the convention arrangements. According to him, such behaviour is unbecoming of founding members who should instead strengthen the party’s internal mechanisms.
“The Supreme Court has told us emphatically that these shenanigans should end up in your party. Go back to your party and sort yourselves out. Why are these judges listening to these characters?” George said.
He argued that the PDP’s internal structures were competent enough to handle disagreements, stressing that every decision made during the last National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting was duly observed by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
“The last NEC meeting we had, INEC was present. Every decision taken was valid and properly documented. So, who are these characters now throwing tantrums? Are they genuine members of the party? I don’t think so,” he stated.
George maintained that internal disagreements were normal in any political organisation, recalling that similar tensions had occurred in previous election cycles. However, he insisted that the convention must hold as scheduled in Ibadan, adding that resorting to the courts only fuels division.
“No organisation is without crisis. What matters is how you manage it. The way you handle your crisis is the true measure of your competence,” he added.
He further described party leadership as a test of patience and emotional stability, noting that leaders must be prepared to absorb dissent and criticism without losing focus.
“A leader is like a dustbin. You find all kinds of people who will fire demonic missiles at you, but as long as you remain calm and go through the normal procedure of management, the public will see your competence and trust you,” George said.
