PDP Chieftain Bode George Claims Party Crisis Architects Are Departing
Lagos, Nigeria – Chief Bode George, a prominent leader of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has asserted that key figures responsible for the party’s internal turmoil are now exiting its ranks. The veteran politician made these remarks during an exclusive interview on Channels Television’s “Politics Today” program on Thursday.
Atiku and Momodu’s Exit Sparks Party Reflection
The discussion centered on recent high-profile departures from the opposition party, including 2023 presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar and media personality Dele Momodu, who both officially left the PDP on Thursday. George framed these exits as part of a broader pattern of those who contributed to the party’s challenges now seeking greener pastures.
“Those who created the crisis are the ones you find outside there now, who have gone to join him (Atiku),” George stated emphatically during the broadcast.
Upcoming NEC Meeting Seen as Turning Point
The PDP stalwart expressed confidence that the party would regain its footing following its scheduled National Executive Council (NEC) meeting next week. He outlined ambitious plans for the gathering:
“We are holding our next NEC meeting this coming week and when we meet, we will discuss the problems of the party, approve all the committees that are going to be handling the elective convention of the party.”
George painted a vivid picture of renewal, declaring, “The fact that we are in position to hold that meeting and at the end of that meeting you will see that the Iroko tree has been resurrected.”
Criticism of Departing Members
The PDP chieftain didn’t mince words when characterizing the motivations of those leaving the party. While stopping short of direct insults, his language carried clear disapproval:
“These guys are just starting up. I don’t want to say good riddance to bad rubbish, but I am appealing to them before it is too late what they are solidly longing to have is to have a platform to contest for presidency.”
George accused the departing members of putting personal ambition above party unity and established procedures:
“In our own party we have a procedure where you can contest for presidency. Once it’s not zoned to your area, you cannot. They are exhibiting a perpetual self-conceitedness, selfishness. It must be you; it must be me.”
Party Structure vs. Individual Ambition
The veteran politician emphasized the PDP’s structured approach to presidential candidacy, contrasting it with what he portrayed as the self-serving behavior of recent defectors. His comments suggest an ongoing tension between party discipline and individual political aspirations that has characterized Nigerian politics in recent years.
Political analysts will be watching closely to see whether the upcoming NEC meeting can indeed stabilize the opposition party as George predicts, or whether the departures signal a more profound realignment in Nigeria’s political landscape ahead of future elections.
For more details on this developing story, read the original report at Daily Trust.