Former President Goodluck Jonathan has voiced concerns over the Judiciary’s impact on the ongoing crises within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), asserting that certain judicial rulings threaten Nigeria’s democratic stability. Speaking at a public event in Abuja to celebrate the 67th birthday of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) Mike Ozekhome, Jonathan referenced a contentious court judgment that permitted a ward chairman to suspend and expel a PDP National Chairman, describing it as an unnatural decision detrimental to democracy.

He urged the Supreme Court to revisit the ruling, warning of potential destabilization across the political landscape. Jonathan emphasized the need for the legal profession to exercise caution due to its significant influence on democracy, likening Nigeria’s political stability to an upside-down cone that could collapse with minimal provocation.

Jonathan expressed alarm over the proliferation of election-related litigations in Nigeria compared to other countries, where such cases are relatively few during electoral periods. He criticized the judiciary’s encroachment into political matters, asserting that it has led to instability within both the PDP and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). He reiterated that lower officials should not wield the power to expel national leaders, urging a reconsideration of the controversial judgment.

In response, former President Olusegun Obasanjo refrained from commenting on the political situation but praised Ozekhome for his contributions to the legal field. Other notable speakers, including former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi and former Chairman of the Body of Benchers Wole Olanipekun, also commended Ozekhome’s efforts while Olanipekun called for constitutional reform to address Nigeria’s challenges. Ozekhome expressed gratitude for the recognition and reaffirmed his commitment to advocating for a just and prosperous nation.