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Torkwase Nyiekaa

Members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Caucus in the House of Representatives have appealed to the National Judicial Council (NJC) to caution judges against being influenced by politicians determined to undermine Nigeria’s democratic process.

In a statement issued on Monday and signed by the Leader of the PDP Caucus, Hon. Fred Agbedi, the lawmakers expressed concern over what they described as the growing tendency of the judiciary to interfere in the internal affairs of political parties, warning that such actions could destabilize the nation’s democracy.

Their reaction followed a recent ruling by the Federal High Court in Abuja, which, while refusing to grant an interim injunction seeking to halt the PDP’s scheduled meetings and national convention, nonetheless made pronouncements that appeared to contradict that decision.

The case, numbered FHC/ABJ/CS/2120/2025, was filed by some party members, Austine Nwachukwu (PDP Chairman, Imo State), Amah Abraham Nnanna (Chairman, Abia State Chapter), and Turnah George (South-South Secretary), who sought to compel the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to stop the PDP from holding any meetings, congresses, or conventions pending the determination of the substantive suit.

Although Justice James Omotosho declined to grant the ex parte application, he went on to declare that any steps taken by the party during the pendency of the case would be null and void, a position the lawmakers said could embolden anti-democratic forces bent on obstructing the PDP’s lawful activities.

“We are seriously concerned that despite repeated Supreme Court decisions warning against judicial interference in party administration, some judges continue to make themselves available as tools in the hands of desperate politicians seeking to weaken democracy,” the caucus stated.

The lawmakers further noted, “While Justice Omotosho rightly refused the restraining order sought by the plaintiffs, his subsequent pronouncement that any action taken by the party before the conclusion of the case would be nullified could easily be weaponized by those who do not want the PDP to hold its national convention or present candidates for the 2027 general elections.”

Describing the judge’s position as a clear case of judicial overreach, the lawmakers said such rulings could be interpreted as providing legal justification for those working to destabilize the country’s main opposition party.

They also lamented that some of the individuals behind the case had previously been involved in similar acts of judicial manipulation, calling on the NJC to take decisive steps to curb such abuses that threaten multiparty democracy.

“The survival of Nigeria’s democracy rests on the independence and credibility of the judiciary. The NJC must ensure that the courts are not reduced to instruments for political interference or tools for undermining democratic institutions,” the statement concluded.