By Elder Abraham Amah
The decision to proceed with the Ibadan national convention in spite of a subsisting court order raises serious concerns about respect for democratic norms. In a constitutional democracy, court orders are not matters of convenience or preference. They exist to preserve order, fairness, and predictability in public life. When political actors appear to place expediency above legality, the larger casualty is public confidence in the system that governs us all.
The Ibadan convention, widely perceived as being driven by the political influence of Governor Seyi Makinde, has therefore assumed significance beyond internal party disagreements. The issue at stake is no longer who controls party machinery, but whether political leadership is willing to submit itself to the authority of the law. Once a court of competent jurisdiction issues an order, compliance remains obligatory until that order is lawfully set aside. Respect for this process is fundamental to democratic stability.
One unavoidable consequence of disregarding judicial directives is institutional strain. Courts risk being seen as weakened when their decisions are ignored, political parties suffer credibility challenges when their processes are questioned, and citizens grow increasingly disillusioned when the law appears unevenly applied. These effects rarely remain isolated. Actions taken at the national level often filter downward, shaping conduct and expectations across the political system.
There is also the broader implication for how political disputes are resolved. Democracies are sustained by rules and institutions, not by force of numbers or influence. When due process is sidelined, disagreements tend to multiply rather than resolve. What begins as a tactical political decision can quickly evolve into prolonged division, litigation, and internal instability that weaken both party cohesion and public trust.
In contrast, the Abdulleagman and Anyanwu led Caretaker Committee have chosen a different path. By adhering to due process and submitting themselves to judicial authority, despite the difficulties involved, they have retained legitimacy that is recognised by law. Their standing rests not on rhetoric or political advantage, but on compliance with established legal procedures, which remains the strongest foundation for durable leadership.
It is also instructive that many of the key figures associated with the Ibadan convention have since exited the party. This development highlights a recurring lesson in politics, that initiatives not firmly rooted in legality often struggle to endure. These actors aligned themselves with a course that departed from the counsel of Distinguished Senator Bukola Saraki, who advised against holding a convention in defiance of a court order. His counsel, offered from experience, emphasized caution, unity, and respect for institutional processes.
That same position was reinforced by the party’s reconciliation committee, which similarly urged adherence to due process. The decision to disregard these voices of moderation and legal prudence has carried predictable consequences. Political experience repeatedly shows that ignoring sound counsel grounded in law rarely produces stability or progress.
Rather than engaging in reflection, some have chosen to attribute responsibility for these outcomes to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike. While political disagreements are inevitable, it is important to acknowledge that the choice to proceed against a court order was an internal decision. Assigning blame elsewhere does little to address the underlying issues or rebuild credibility.
Ultimately, the Ibadan episode offers an important lesson for the nation’s democratic journey. Due process is not always the easiest path, but it remains the most sustainable one. Political actors who respect the law may face temporary setbacks, yet they preserve legitimacy, unity, and institutional integrity. Those who depart from it may enjoy momentary advantage, but history consistently shows that democracy rewards patience, restraint, and respect for the rule of law.
Elder Amah,a philosopher and public affairs analyst, contributed this piece from Abuja
