By Lukman Olabiyi
Former Deputy National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Bode George, has faulted the formation of a political coalition reportedly involving former Senate President David Mark, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, and other party chieftains.
George described the move as divisive and a betrayal of the party’s core principles.
The PDP chieftain, reacting to the development in a phone conversation, criticised those seeking to shift power dynamics within the PDP.
“If your house is leaking and you are the landlord, what do you do? You sleep there and repair it,” he said, likening the crisis within the party to a self-inflicted wound.
He accused some party leaders of attempting to abandon the PDP rather than resolve internal issues.
George warned against efforts to shift the presidential ticket back to the North, stating firmly, “No sir, no sir, no sir. That was not the North’s turn as established by the PDP, and we will never change it.”
He added that those dissatisfied with the party’s current structure were free to leave and form their own party, emphasising that “the Nigerian electorate would decide.”
The PDP stalwart reiterated his commitment to supporting a Northern presidency in 2031, saying, “Until 2031, the presidency will go back to the North, and I would lead that campaign. I have led such campaigns before.”
He stressed the need for justice and fairness within the PDP and distanced the party from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, asserting that the PDP would present a “responsible, dependable, commendable, and loyal personality with good character” as its presidential candidate.
George concluded with a biblical reference, likening the rebuilding of the PDP to the work of Nehemiah. “We would repair the broken walls. We would build them back like Nehemiah in the Bible,” he declared.