Vanguard reports that veteran politician Chief Olabode Ibiyinka George, a former military administrator of the old Ondo State and the former deputy national chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), recently offered his thoughts on important political issues in Nigeria. He discussed the 2023 general elections, the Supreme Court’s ruling upholding President Bola Tinubu’s victory, the PDP’s lessons learned, the necessity of reviewing the 2014 National Conference report, and his unshakable dedication to politics in an exclusive interview.
Expressing disappointment in the Supreme Court’s role in determining election outcomes, Chief George questioned the legitimacy of such authority, echoing sentiments from legal luminaries. He challenged the notion that a panel of seven justices should singularly influence the nation’s leadership, emphasizing the need for a more participatory and democratic approach. George suggested that this trend risks transforming democracy into a system governed solely by the judiciary.
According to him, “Why ask Nigerians to come out and vote if only seven justices will decide our future? Then let it be that they are redefining democracy as a government of the judiciary for the judiciary and by the judiciary. That is a new concept and that is what they have done. All said and done, it is a lesson. We thank God people are still looking and watching.”
The veteran politician raised a question about the purpose of encouraging Nigerians to vote if, ultimately, a small panel decides the country’s fate. He cautioned against redefining democracy as a government exclusively run by the judiciary. Despite acknowledging the finality of the court’s decision, Chief George considered it a lesson for the nation, expressing gratitude that people are vigilant and observant of such developments.
