Photo: Chief Bode George and wife, Mrs Roli Bode-Georgw at the press conference
By Crystal Nwakanma
Chief Olabode Ibiyinka George, Atona Oodua of Yorubaland and former Deputy National Chairman of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has accused the former Vice President Alhaji Atiku Abubakar of attempting to destroy l the party with his desperation, urging him to join All Progressive Congress(APC) instead.
Chief George who said this during a world press conference in Lagos on Thursday, raised concerns about the internal crises and disunity within the PDP, warning that the party risks collapse if urgent actions are not taken.
He criticized some PDP members for aligning with the APC, accusing them of having dual loyalties and sabotaging the party, noting that some of
He said: “In the build up to the 2023 presidential election, I shouted myself hoarse about the crisis which was started by the ambition of Atiku Abubakar, Iyorchia Ayu, David Mark and others. Pitiably, nobody listened.
“Where is Iyorchia Ayu today? He has simply disappeared.
“I can boldly say that Atiku, Ayu and others gave the opportunity for Bola Tinubu to become the president today.
“If I may ask again: Why is Atiku so desperate? Some of us won’t allow your desperation to destroy this party. You can even leave PDP and go to your business partner in APC. At least, you did it before.
I am bold to say it that PDP is not the private enterprise of any individual. I sat with him for hours before the 2023 elections that the right thing should be done. He refused.
“Some of our members are already working for him because of 2027. Is he the only one in PDP? Why are we not looking in the direction of the Southern part of the country for a younger candidate?
“Former Governor of Sokoto State, Aminu Tambuwal, was Chairman of PDP Governors’ Forum. When he left, Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State took over from him. Don’t we have PDP governors from the South? Why is everything skewed against this part of the country?
Chief George emphasized the importance of unity, equity, fairness, and justice as the foundation for the party’s survival and success in the 2027 elections.
He expressed disappointment at the current state of the PDP, contrasting it with the vision and integrity of the party’s founding fathers like Alex Ekwueme and Solomon Lar.
On the crisis in Rivers State, he questioned the treatment of Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara by some PDP members, suggesting that godfatherism is undermining the governor’s autonomy.
He accused former Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike of divisive actions and collaboration with the APC to destabilize the PDP.
He appealed to party elders to intervene, convene meetings, and ensure the party remains united and focused on reclaiming power in the 2027 elections.
Despite the challenges, he reaffirmed his belief that the PDP remains Nigeria’s hope for the future, urging members to prioritize the collective interest over personal ambitions to win the presidency in 2027.