Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftain, Bode George, has reacted to the possibility of Nigeria turning a one party state, adding that it’s citizens are two clever to allow such.
The former Deputy National Chairman of the PDP, stated this in reaction to the wave of defections rocking the party ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Speaking during an interview, George expressed confidence in the resilience of the opposition party and questioned the motives of those leaving. “It will be well with our party,” he said. “All I want to ask is this: all those who want the President to return in 2027, what do they want him to come and do? What is the economic situation in the land? What has he done to improve the living standards of Nigerians?”
He criticized the defectors, stating, “The defectors are leaving a party that is structured to a place that has no structure. Is that what Nigerians will vote for? People should do an in-depth analysis of all the parties and take a stand.”
George linked Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s defection to internal party dynamics. “As far as I am concerned, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori left the PDP because of Ifeanyi Okowa, whom he considers his godfather,” he said. He advocated for stronger party discipline, suggesting, “We need to copy what they do in South Africa, where the party is supreme.”
On fears of Nigeria moving towards a one-party system, George dismissed such concerns. “I don’t believe that this nation will turn into a one-party state. Nigerians are too clever,” he said.
“The Constitution we have does not permit a tribe to be in office permanently. It is not possible because this country is multi-tribal and multi-racial.”
He emphasized the transient nature of political power. “The President only has four or a maximum of eight years to spend in office, after which he needs to get out because there is no perpetuity in this game,” he said.
As a founding figure in the PDP, George said critical decisions would soon be made. “We are waiting for our NEC meeting, and at the NEC meeting, many decisions will be made,” he said. “It is after that meeting that we will know whether the real democrats — those who believe in PDP — will save it or collapse it.”
Addressing the perceived widening North/South divide in Nigerian politics, particularly in light of the 2027 elections, George called for national unity. “Those who are looking for a mega party without the input of those in the South are not serious people,” he said. “Nigeria is not a North/South issue. It is one indivisible nation where every human being matters.
“Nothing lasts forever and, as elders, we will stand for the truth. I fear nobody in telling the truth to them.”
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