Olabode George, former Deputy National Chairman of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Olabode George, has alleged a coordinated attempt by the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to weaken Nigeria’s democratic foundations ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In a strongly worded statement, George accused both institutions of pursuing actions and narratives that suggest an agenda to limit political competition and ensure that President Bola Tinubu emerges as the sole viable presidential candidate in 2027.
The elder statesman warned that such a trajectory, if unchecked, could erode the core principles of democracy, including fairness, pluralism, and electoral integrity.
Drawing a biblical parallel, George likened the current political climate to the story of Abimelech in Judges Chapter 9, describing it as a dangerous pursuit of power at all costs.
He, however, noted that history and divine justice had shown that no individual or group is beyond accountability.
“This is the time for leaders and elders across party lines to rise and speak against what is happening. Evil must not be appeased; it must be confronted,” he said.
George, who also served as military governor of old Ondo State between 1987 and 1990, expressed concern over what he described as the misuse of institutional authority, particularly by INEC.
He criticised the electoral body’s recent actions, accusing it of relying on technical interpretations to destabilise opposition party structures.
According to him, such actions risk undermining public confidence in the electoral process and portraying the commission as partisan rather than neutral.
He also took aim at the judiciary, lamenting what he described as a decline in standards compared to earlier generations of jurists.
Referencing respected former justices such as Taslim Elias, Kayode Eso, Chukwudifu Oputa, Mohammed Bello, and Muhammadu Uwais, George said the current state of the judiciary raises concerns about its independence and credibility.
“It is unfortunate that some judicial officials are allegedly aligning with political interests to weaken democratic institutions,” he said, adding that justice must go beyond technical rulings to reflect fairness and equity.
The PDP chieftain further linked Nigeria’s political tensions to broader governance challenges, including insecurity.
He criticised the federal government’s handling of widespread killings and kidnappings, arguing that more attention is being given to political manoeuvring than to safeguarding lives.
“Nigerians are being killed daily, yet the response has largely been statements rather than decisive action,” he said, urging the government to prioritise national security.
George emphasised that Nigeria’s diversity makes the idea of a one-party dominance unrealistic and dangerous.
He stressed that a functional multi-party system remains the backbone of any genuine democracy, warning that attempts to suppress opposition voices could destabilise the country.
“You cannot have a single candidate in a multi-ethnic, multi-religious country like Nigeria in this century. It is neither practical nor democratic,” he said.
He called on INEC to uphold its constitutional responsibility as an impartial electoral umpire, insisting that its credibility depends on maintaining transparency and neutrality in all its activities.
“The electoral body must be for all Nigerians, not for any political party. It must remain above suspicion, like Caesar’s wife,” he added.
Concluding his remarks, George warned that continued erosion of democratic norms could have long-term consequences for Nigeria’s stability, urging all stakeholders to act in defence of the nation’s democratic heritage.
His comments come amid growing political tensions and debates over the role of key institutions as Nigeria gradually approaches the 2027 general elections.
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