PDP Warns Courts Against Interfering in Party Affairs
The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has cautioned the judiciary against interfering in its internal matters, warning that such actions could blur the line between the courts and partisan politics.
The party’s National Publicity Secretary, Ini Ememobong, made this known on Friday during an interview on Arise Television, where he expressed concern that the courts are increasingly being drawn into political roles.
Reacting to recent judicial decisions affecting the party, Ememobong said the ruling in question reflected careful consideration, noting that the party’s constitution does not provide for a national caretaker arrangement.
According to him: “Well, this verdict only shows the wisdom that my lord used in arriving at that because I’m sure that my lord cannot point to the constitution of the party anywhere where there is a national caretaker.
“But again, I have tremendous respect for the court and which is why the court should stay away from the internal affairs of the party so that they don’t become politicians. But you do know that perception and reality may have divergence, but when they converge to the extent that people lose faith in a process, then something is wrong.”
Ememobong stressed that his comments were not an accusation against the judiciary but a reflection on public perception, which he described as critical to the credibility of the justice system.
“I’m not saying anything, but I’m simply saying that you find a situation where the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court goes to beg the Minister of the FCT for land and houses for judges of the Federal High Court. I’m not saying anything, but I’m simply saying perception. I will send you the video.”
He further referenced a publicly reported courtesy visit, explaining that such interactions, when viewed alongside politically sensitive cases, could raise concerns in the minds of the public.
“The courtesy call was public and the minister was even saying, oh, how many of you are there across different jurisdictions? Oh, we’ll start with the senior judges or the younger judges and all of that.
“And incidentally, all these cases go to those people. We are not accusing them, but we are simply saying perception because it is a fundamental issue in law that justice must not just be done, but it must be seen to be done.”
The PDP spokesperson concluded by reiterating the party’s call for judicial restraint in political party affairs, emphasizing that maintaining public confidence in the legal process is essential for democracy to thrive.
