Former PDP Leader Urges Judiciary to Preserve Democracy in Election Verdicts
Chief Olabode George, a prominent figure in the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), has voiced concerns over the growing influence of the judiciary in determining election results in Nigeria. George, a former Deputy National Chairman of the PDP, has called for the preservation of the people’s right to decide election winners, urging the judiciary to avoid taking that responsibility away from citizens.
Speaking at a press briefing in his office at Ikoyi, George expressed his apprehension in light of the recent announcement by the Presidential Election Petition Tribunal in Abuja. The tribunal declared that it would deliver its judgment regarding petitions challenging Bola Tinubu’s victory in the 2023 presidential election, a declaration made by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
George’s main point of contention is the growing trend of the judiciary deciding the outcomes of elections, rather than advocating for a re-run of elections under INEC’s guidance to ensure fairness and transparency.
He argued, “Our electoral process is riddled with manipulation, and this is impeding our country’s progress. A malfunction on election day is unacceptable, and the assurances given by the INEC chairman contradict the actual events, causing irreparable damage.”
Drawing from his extensive experience as a former military officer and civilian leader, George pondered the appropriate role of the judiciary in a democracy. He questioned whether it was appropriate for the judiciary to declare winners and losers in elections, emphasizing that democracy thrives when the people’s will prevails.
George articulated, “The bedrock of democracy is ‘Government of the people, by the people, and for the people.’ However, we seem to be veering towards ‘Government of the judiciary, by the judiciary, and for the judiciary.’ Is this truly democratic?”
He urged for a re-focus on the collective choice of the people, even if that meant conducting fresh elections to ensure genuine winners. George stressed that the judiciary’s core responsibility is not to dictate election outcomes, but to uphold democratic principles and ensure a level playing field.
As Nigeria’s political landscape evolves, Chief Olabode George’s call for a reevaluation of the judiciary’s role in elections underscores the importance of maintaining democratic ideals and empowering citizens to shape their nation’s destiny.
