Chief Olabode George, a prominent member of the Peoples Democratic Party, has expressed his disapproval of judges annulling elections and declaring winners instead of respecting the choice of the voters.
In response to the alleged inconsistencies in the certified true copy of the Court of Appeal judgment on the Kano State governorship election, George voiced concern about the erosion of public confidence in the judiciary.
Speaking on behalf of the Lagos PDP Elders Council at a press conference in Lagos, George criticized the situation in Kano, warning that it could spark nationwide chaos.
Also present at the press conference were former deputy governor of Lagos State, Kofoworola Bucknor-Akerele, Mrs. Onikepo Oshodi, and other PDP leaders.
George remarked, “This situation is troubling because if the people lose faith in the judiciary, it could lead to anarchy. We now face a scenario where judges who stand against the whims of those in power are accused of corruption and pressured to resign.
“Undoubtedly, the unholy alliances between certain politicians and judges pose a threat to our democracy. Millions of people turn out on election day, patiently queue, cast their votes, celebrate the announcement of results, only for three, five, or seven judges to overturn the popular will of the people.
“In political cases, the judiciary’s role should be to adjudicate and, in cases of discrepancies, order a rerun without preemptively declaring victory for any party. Stripping the electorate of their power to choose leaders and allowing the judiciary to determine winners is detrimental to Nigeria and our electoral system. A compromised judiciary is a danger.”
George acknowledged the presence of upright judges but lamented that they were overshadowed by the corrupt ones.
He stated, “What is emanating from the judiciary in Nigeria, the world’s most populous black nation, is offensive to millions. When the judiciary is compromised in a democratic system, it spells the end of democracy.
“Many Nigerians view the judiciary as the last bastion of hope in a system where the executive and legislative branches seem detached. While there are hundreds of judges upholding the integrity of the judiciary and delivering justice, the conflicting and inconsistent rulings from a few have understandably shaken the public’s trust in the judiciary.”