PHOTO FILE: Bode George

• PDP chieftain sets tough conditions for 2027 flagbearer

A chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Bode George, has categorically ruled out the chances of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar clinching the PDP presidential ticket in 2027, even if he was still a member of the party.

He insisted that the party will adhere strictly to zoning and national balance in choosing its flagbearer.

Speaking during an exclusive interview on Frontline, a current affairs programme on Eagle 102.5 FM, Ilese-Ijebu, on Thursday, George stressed that the PDP’s candidate must emerge from the geopolitical zone deemed “ripe” at the time, warning that the era of personal ambition overshadowing collective interest must end if Nigeria is to be rescued from its present economic and political crises.

This is coming days after the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has zoned the party’s presidential slot to the southern part of the country ahead of the 2027 polls. The party also insisted that the chairmanship position would be retained by a northerner.

This decision was reached as party leaders held their National Executive Council (NEC) meeting in Abuja. The NEC also affirmed Umar Damagum as its National Chairman.

It is believed that the party’s decision not to zone the ticket to the South for the 2023 polls resulted in its electoral misfortune.

“The right candidate for PDP must first have managerial skills before politics. This is not about individual ambition but about saving Nigeria,” George declared, noting that competence and vision will outweigh political popularity in determining the next Flag-bearer of the opposition party.

On Peter Obi and PDP’s Openness

Asked about calls for Labour Party’s Peter Obi to return to the PDP, George noted that the party remains open to all members but cautioned against the notion that any individual could dominate its structures.

“Let the will of the people prevail. We don’t say “baba say” in our party. No human being can say he owns the party,” he said.

Attacks FG over Osun Allocations and Rivers Suspension

In the wide-ranging conversation, George accused the Federal Government of withholding statutory local government allocations due to Osun State for over six months, describing the act as “illegal and oppressive.” He also condemned the suspension of Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Dr. Ngozi Odu, which he termed “undemocratic and unconstitutional.”

“Was there violence in Rivers State? In Bonny? In Ekwereland? The said pipeline explosion, who saw it, did anyone die?” he asked rhetorically, suggesting that the emergency rule narrative used to justify the suspension was fabricated.

When asked about the step that had been taken by PDP to douse the crisis, George disclosed that before the matter escalated, both the PDP leadership and Rivers elders had intervened to mediate between former Governor Nyesom Wike and Governor Fubara.

He lamented, however, that such efforts failed to produce meaningful reconciliation, a situation he said had deprived Rivers people of the dividends of the government they legitimately voted for.

Tinubu as “Emperor” and Lagos Politics

Turning his attention to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, George accused the president of imposing his will on political structures like an “emperor.” He cited the tussle for the Lagos State House of Assembly speakership between Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa and Hon. Mojisola Meranda as an example of Tinubu’s overbearing influence.

He further dismissed Tinubu’s recent comments in Brazil about Nigeria’s fight against corruption as “a publicity stunt.”

“That statement is more of a prayer than reality. Nigerians know the truth, and the Brazilians will judge it, not a Nigerian president pitching false narratives abroad,” George said.

Drawing from his Brazilian heritage, George noted that the historical and cultural ties between Nigeria and Brazil demand honesty, not propaganda. “To claim Nigeria is making progress in anti-corruption while impunity thrives at home is a big joke,” he added.

INEC and Electoral Integrity

Chief George also spared no words in criticising the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), accusing it of dishonesty in the conduct of the 2023 general elections. He dismissed the commission’s explanation that technological glitches hindered real-time transmission of results, alleging instead that the system was deliberately compromised.

“Those glitches were man-made. They claimed there was a glitch with the system. Amazon, the technology provider, debunked INEC’s excuses. The manufacturers emphatically stated you switched off the systems. The same technologies are being used in Ghana, so why not here?” he queried.

He described the November 16, 2024, Edo off-cycle polls as a “joke,” saying it exposed the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC)’s desperation to cling to power at all costs.

On Sowore–IGP Rift

Chief George also weighed in on the ongoing rift between Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, and human rights activist, Omoyele Sowore. While admitting he was not fully abreast of the matter, George urged both parties involved to “tread carefully”. He prayed for peace between the two men and stressed that any disagreements should be resolved within the ambit of the law.

“If that is the case and the court has ordered, he must obey the court. If he must seek redress, he should visit the appellate court,” he said.

2027: PDP’s New Direction

Reiterating his earlier position, George said the 2027 elections present the PDP with a historic opportunity to reclaim power and reset Nigeria’s trajectory, but only if the party chooses competence over sentiment.

“This is not about Atiku, Obi, or any individual. It is about finding the right candidate whose vision and managerial competence can rescue Nigeria from its current decline. Zoning remains the guiding principle, and Nigerians will see that the PDP means business this time,” he concluded