Chief Bode George, former Deputy National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), shed light on his fallout with Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory and former Governor of Rivers State. His rift emerged despite their earlier collaboration to challenge Atiku Abubakar’s presidential ambitions within the party.
George recounted that he and Wike had initially united to advocate for the PDP’s zoning principle, emphasizing the need for power rotation between the North and South to uphold equity and fairness. Their collective stance was that, following President Muhammadu Buhari’s eight-year tenure—a northerner from Katsina State—the presidency should shift to the South. His position was rooted in the PDP’s constitution, which underscores zoning and rotation for justice and balance.
However, tensions arose when Wike accepted a ministerial appointment in President Bola Tinubu’s administration, a move that George perceived as contradictory to their shared objective of strengthening the PDP and opposing the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). George was disillusioned, stating that Wike’s decision undermined their collective efforts and the party’s foundational principles.
George further elaborated on his perspective regarding Atiku Abubakar’s political pursuits. He advised the former Vice President to reconsider his longstanding presidential ambitions, suggesting that Atiku, who has been vying for the presidency since 1993, should step aside in favor of younger leaders. George emphasized that by the 2027 elections, Atiku would be 81 years old, and it would be more appropriate for him to embrace a mentorship role, allowing the younger generation to lead. He drew parallels to international examples, noting how seasoned politicians have made way for emerging leaders in the interest of national progress. Reflecting on his own political journey, George highlighted his unwavering commitment to the PDP since its inception in 1998. He highlighted the importance of adhering to the party’s zoning arrangement, which mandates that elective and party offices rotate between the northern and southern regions every eight years. His mechanism, he argued, ensures inclusivity and balances the diverse interests within Nigeria.
The party chieftain also addressed accusations of tribalism directed at him by some of Atiku’s supporters. He refuted these claims, citing his longstanding relationships and collaborations with individuals from various ethnic backgrounds. He emphasized that his stance was not driven by ethnic bias but by a commitment to the principles of justice, fairness, and the PDP’s constitutional guidelines.
George called upon all PDP members to uphold the party’s core values and work collaboratively towards its rejuvenation. He stressed that personal ambitions should not overshadow the collective goal of national unity and development.