The Democratic Front (TDF) has faulted comments by former Deputy National Chairman (South) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Olabode George, accusing him of making unfounded allegations against the judiciary over a recent Court of Appeal ruling involving the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
In a statement signed by its Chairman, Danjuma Mallam Muhammad, and Secretary, Chief Wale Adedayo, the group said George’s criticism of the judiciary was “reckless” and amounted to an attempt to blackmail the courts over a matter properly brought before them.
The Court of Appeal had upheld an order restraining the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from recognising the state congresses conducted by the ADC.
According to TDF, the judiciary merely discharged its constitutional responsibility by adjudicating a dispute filed by aggrieved members of the party.
“We find it particularly disturbing that Chief Bode George sought to blackmail the judiciary and undermine the right of aggrieved members of the ADC to seek redress in a court of law over what they perceived as a violation of their fundamental rights,” the statement said.
The group dismissed claims that the court’s decision was part of a conspiracy against the ADC, describing such allegations as “irresponsible and unfounded.”
TDF argued that the crisis within the ADC stemmed from internal party actions, including what it described as the dissolution of state executive committees before the expiration of their tenure and the emergence of a new leadership without due process.
According to the group, the Appeal Court’s ruling was aimed at upholding the rule of law and protecting democratic principles within the party.
It maintained that the judiciary should not be blamed for the internal challenges facing opposition parties, insisting that political disagreements should be resolved within the framework of the law.
The group also urged Nigerians to disregard what it described as attempts by George and other opposition figures to discredit the judiciary over recent court decisions.
