Nigeria’s former president, Goodluck Jonathan, has accused the judiciary of fueling the crisis within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
He made the statement during the launch of 50 books written by Mike Ozekhome (SAN) to celebrate the senior advocate’s 67th birthday.
Jonathan criticized the judiciary for delivering judgments that have, instead of ensuring justice, worsened the situation in Nigerian political parties and democracy at large.
He specifically called on the judiciary, including the Supreme Court, to review some of its rulings, particularly questioning the court’s decision that led to the suspension and expulsion of a PDP national chairman.
“Where the court says a Ward Chairman can expel a National Chairman of a political party, this is not in line with natural justice,” Jonathan said.
He compared the scenario to a university system, stating, “You cannot tell me that a Head of Department can expel a Vice Chancellor.”
Jonathan argued that it was unprecedented for a sub-unit within any system to discipline its top leadership. He pointed out that the judiciary’s rulings have created instability within the PDP.
“For the PDP, according to its constitution, a state cannot discipline a national officer, let alone a Ward officer who is not part of the National Executive Council (NEC),” he emphasized.
Jonathan’s comments highlight his concerns over the growing influence of judicial decisions on the internal politics of parties, urging for a more just approach to preserve stability.
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