- Chief Bode George warns that the People’s Democratic Party is heading for disaster unless urgent reforms are made
- George condemns the use of thugs to disrupt the 79th Board of Trustees (BoT) meeting, calling it a national embarrassment
- He criticises current PDP leaders for abandoning the values of equity, fairness, and justice established by party founders
Chief Olabode George, a prominent chieftain of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), has cautioned that the party is heading towards a political catastrophe in 2027 unless it unites and takes decisive action against elements destabilising its structure.
Speaking at a press conference at his Ikoyi residence in Lagos on Friday, January 31, the former deputy national chairman of the PDP lamented the ongoing leadership crisis within the party.
He urged party members to set aside personal ambitions and prioritise unity to prevent the party from crumbling.
George attributed the PDP’s current challenges to internal conflicts, describing them as self-inflicted wounds. He called on the party's elders to intervene and restore order.
“We have found ourselves in this mess due to internal wrangling. It is time to set aside personal ambitions and work towards saving the party. Elders must step up and call those causing division to order,” he stated.
According to him, the party can only survive if it upholds equity, fairness, and justice in its decision-making.
National Secretary dispute an embarrassment
Expressing dismay over the recent crisis surrounding the position of the party’s national secretary, George described the situation as a national embarrassment.
“What happened at the 79th Board of Trustees (BoT) meeting in Abuja was disgraceful. The use of thugs to disrupt party proceedings is unacceptable and must be condemned by everyone who values democracy,” he said.
He lamented that the PDP, once a model of civility, decorum, and respect for the rule of law, is now losing these values.
Founding fathers’ legacy under threat
George recalled the sacrifices of PDP’s founding fathers, including Chief Solomon Lar, Dr. Alex Ekwueme, Chief Bola Ige, Alhaji Adamu Ciroma, Chief Sunday Awoniyi, Alhaji Bamanga Tukur, and Chief Sunday Afolabi.
He accused the party’s current leaders of dishonouring their legacy.
“The founding fathers prioritised the collective interest over personal gain. Today, some individuals are dancing on their graves by promoting division and disloyalty,” he said.
Call for immediate action
George condemned the violent disruptions at the PDP secretariat, labelling them as sacrilegious acts that must not be tolerated.
“The PDP national secretariat is sacred. The attack during the BoT meeting was horrifying and must be treated as a serious offence. If such an act can occur, what will happen during the National Working Committee (NWC) and National Executive Committee (NEC) meetings?” he asked.
He urged the party leadership to take immediate steps to unite opposing factions, warning that failure to do so could spell doom for the party.
“If they refuse to embrace peace, they should step aside and allow the party to move forward. Enough is enough! PDP must not be turned into an ‘Agbero’ party by individuals with selfish ambitions. We have rules and regulations that must be respected,” he declared.
Discipline for disloyal members
George called for strict disciplinary measures against members working against the party’s interests.
“Nobody is too big to be disciplined or expelled from PDP. Only those who are truly committed to the party’s success are indispensable. If you are undermining the party, your days are numbered,” he warned.
Comparing the PDP’s internal crisis to a house infested with snakes, he said, “A divided house can never stand. You cannot sleep soundly with snakes in your bedroom. That is the current state of PDP.”
Advice to President Tinubu
Addressing the economic hardship in Nigeria, George urged President Bola Tinubu to implement sustainable policies to alleviate the suffering of Nigerians.
“Nigerians are angry and hungry due to the current economic policies. The government must act now. The year 2025 is crucial because, by 2026, preparations for the 2027 elections will be in full swing,” he noted.
Warning on global political shifts
George also cautioned Nigeria to prepare for shifts in global politics, particularly the rise of far-right ideologies, which he believes could be exacerbated if Donald Trump returns as the 47th President of the United States.
“We are witnessing a new world order, which, if not managed carefully, could lead to dangerous conflicts among nations,” he concluded.
With 2027 approaching, George’s warning underscores the urgency for PDP to resolve its internal strife or risk facing a political downfall.
2027 polls: Let’s fix PDP to save Nigeria — Saraki, Makinde make appeal
Meanwhile, TheRadar earlier reported that Senator Bukola Saraki and Governor Seyi Makinde urged Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) stakeholders to come together and strengthen the party ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Both leaders stressed the need for a clear ideological foundation for the PDP to offer real hope and direction for Nigeria.