KEY POINTS
- Bode George warns that PDP’s internal conflicts risk its future.
- Unity and accountability are crucial for PDP’s success in 2027.
- The NEC meeting is a chance to address lingering party issues.
Chief Bode George, former deputy national chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has sounded the alarm over the state of the party, describing its internal conflicts as self-inflicted and warning of dire consequences if unresolved.
Speaking during a news conference to mark his 79th birthday in Lagos, George stressed the importance of unity within the PDP, urging members to use the upcoming National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting as an opportunity to rescue the party from internal divisions.
Party at a crossroads
George expressed deep concern over the party’s current trajectory, describing it as “derailing” due to selfish interests and disloyalty among some members. He pointed out that PDP’s internal crisis has further compounded Nigeria’s socio-economic challenges and warned of a looming disaster if critical issues are not addressed.
“Our party is at the precipice of a dangerous crisis. Some members are working for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) while pretending to be loyal to PDP,” George said. He criticized these “chameleonic characters” for undermining the party’s efforts and called for an immediate end to such behavior.
A call for unity and action
According to a report by The Sun, George called on PDP elders and leaders, including Bamanga Tukur, Jerry Gana, and Goodluck Jonathan, to rise to the occasion and guide the party toward a united front ahead of the 2027 elections. He emphasized the need for equity, fairness, and justice as the foundation for decision-making within the party, cautioning that disunity could spell disaster.
“If we want to win in 2027, we must stop divisive tendencies now. Nigerians are looking to PDP to rescue the country from APC’s mismanagement, but we can only do that if we are united,” George stated.
He also urged party members to focus on addressing internal disputes, including the ongoing feud between Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike. George implored Wike to “cool off” and urged party leaders to ensure Fubara is not sidelined.
The path forward
George highlighted the upcoming PDP NEC meeting as a critical moment for the party to resolve its differences and prepare for the next general elections. He called for collective efforts to prevent the PDP from “going into the dustbin of history” in 2027.
“PDP is the only true national party. We cannot afford to fail. Nigerians are waiting for us, but we must put our house in order,” he said.
The event was attended by several PDP leaders and supporters, including Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, the 2023 governorship candidate of the Labour Party.
George’s passionate call underscores the urgency for the PDP to address its internal divisions and unite as it looks ahead to the 2027 elections.
