Bode George slams court judgment stopping PDP convention PLUS a SAD ONE ABOUT A GRADE 9 PUPIL

Two Stories of Resilience and Political Controversy: A Grade 9 Pupil’s Hospital Exam and Bode George’s Rebuke of Judicial Intervention

In Nakuru County, Kenya, a heart-wrenching tale of perseverance unfolded as Sheila Achieng', a Grade 9 pupil, was forced to sit for her Kenya Junior Secondary Education Assessment (KJSEA) exams from a hospital bed following a tragic accident.

The incident occurred on October 2, 2025, when Sheila’s father, Onyango, was driving her to school. Their journey ended in disaster when they were involved in a severe road accident that claimed Onyango’s life and left Sheila with serious injuries, including spinal damage. Since then, she has remained hospitalized, undergoing treatment and rehabilitation while grappling with the emotional trauma of losing her father.

Despite her physical and emotional challenges, Sheila demonstrated remarkable determination by choosing to proceed with her national exams from the confines of her hospital room. Her aunt, Brenda Mbalilwa, shared the family's ordeal and praised Sheila’s courage, noting that the young girl hopes to walk again someday.

The school and examination authorities coordinated with the hospital to ensure Sheila could participate in the exams, a gesture that underscores the importance of inclusive education and support for students facing extraordinary circumstances.

BODE GEORGE | PDP | GOVERNMENT

Meanwhile, in Nigeria, a political storm erupted following a controversial court ruling that halted the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)’s planned national convention.

The convention, originally scheduled for November 15 and 16, 2025, in Ibadan, was blocked by Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja.

The judge ruled that the PDP had failed to comply with the 1999 Constitution, the guidelines of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), and its own internal constitution. Specifically, the party was accused of not conducting valid state congresses prior to organizing the convention to elect new national officers.

Reacting to the judgment, Chief Bode George, a former Deputy National Chairman (South) of the PDP, launched a scathing critique of the court’s decision. He described the ruling as “the joke of the century” and “a dangerous intrusion into political processes,” warning that it could destabilize Nigeria’s democratic framework.

George argued that political parties must be allowed to manage their internal affairs without undue judicial interference unless there is a clear constitutional breach. He further questioned the legitimacy of the ruling, pointing out that INEC had monitored the PDP’s congresses and raised no objections. “INEC is not complaining. The judge did not invite INEC officials. So why is he complaining?” George asked pointedly.

George’s remarks have sparked broader debate about the role of the judiciary in political party administration and the potential consequences of such interventions. He called on the Chief Justice of Nigeria and the National Judicial Council to investigate what he termed an unjustifiable interference, warning that it could set a precedent for judicial overreach.

The PDP, meanwhile, is expected to pursue legal remedies to overturn the ruling and safeguard its internal democratic processes.

These two stories, one of a young girl’s resilience in the face of tragedy, and the other of a political heavyweight challenging judicial authority, highlight the diverse struggles and debates shaping East and West Africa today. Sheila Achieng’s courage offers a beacon of hope, while Bode George’s defiance underscores the tensions between law and politics in Nigeria’s evolving democracy.