LAGOS — Former Deputy National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Bode George, has dismissed claims that the party’s structure in Lagos and nationwide has collapsed, likening it instead to the deep-rooted Iroko or Lebanon oak tree — unyielding in the face of storms.
Speaking to journalists on Monday after a PDP stakeholders’ meeting in Lagos, George described recent defections from the party, including that of its 2023 governorship candidate Dr Abdul-Azeez Adediran (Jandor) and spokesperson Alhaji Hakeem Amode, as inconsequential and their claims of a collapsed structure as “nonsensical.”
“I want to assure our leaders that the Iroko political party is very much alive,” he declared. “It is absolutely nonsensical to say the PDP structure in Lagos State has collapsed into APC.”
George, who was visibly firm in his remarks, described the defectors as “mere caricatures,” questioning their relevance and influence within the party. He expressed regret over the party’s endorsement of Jandor in 2023, calling the decision “unfortunate.”
While acknowledging that the party is facing internal challenges, he stressed that these issues are solvable. “All organisations face difficult moments, but we will endure. The PDP is an Iroko tree — no matter the wind or storm, it stands because its roots are deep and strong across the country.”
He further stated that the party has learnt valuable lessons from the 2023 elections and vowed that the era of candidate imposition is over.
“We are determined that anyone contesting must go through the people. From now on, no more ‘Baba says’ imposition,” he said, signaling a push for internal democracy and transparency in future primaries.
Turning to national issues, George condemned what he described as attempts to undermine democracy in Rivers State. He called on President Bola Tinubu to reinstate the suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara and allow the democratic mandate of the people to stand.
He warned that Tinubu’s recent request to the National Assembly to confirm appointments for key institutions in Rivers — including the Independent Electoral Commission, Primary Healthcare Board, and Civil Service Commission — under an emergency governance framework poses a grave threat to democracy.
“This move raises serious concerns about power concentration and undermines democratic institutions,” George said. “Nigeria’s focus should be on pressing issues such as insecurity, hunger, unemployment, and the erosion of democratic values — not political conquest.”
George also cautioned against empowering the Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (Rtd.), to conduct local government elections or make key appointments, warning that such actions could destabilize the state.
Present at the PDP stakeholders’ meeting were prominent party leaders including Senator Motorola Bucknor, Chief Aduke Maina, Dr Niran Adeniji, Dr Layi Ogunbambi, Capt. Tunji Shelle (Rtd.), Dr Amos Fawole, and Dr Seye O’Dairo. Other attendees included Alhaji Ismail Abiola, Alhaji Akorode Imam, Alhaja Babs Olorunkemi, Alhaja Tanwa Olusi, Elder John Agbaje, and Chief Ahmed Alashe, alongside members of the PDP Local Government Area Chairmen Forum.
George concluded with a rallying call for unity and resilience, asserting that despite defections and internal strife, the PDP remains a towering political force rooted in the will of the people.
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