LAGOS — Former Deputy National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Olabode George, has issued a stern warning to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, urging them to immediately exit the party over what he described as persistent anti-party activities and public fraternization with the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
In a strongly worded statement on Thursday, George said the continued allegiance of the two PDP chieftains to APC-aligned figures is a source of national embarrassment and a betrayal of the opposition party’s core values.
“Anyone tired of the PDP should leave,” George declared. “As a founding elder of this party, I will not stand by while individuals openly disrespect the PDP and undermine its structure from within.”
The elder statesman condemned Atiku’s recent visit to former President Muhammadu Buhari, questioning the rationale behind such a political move. “General Buhari is not a member of our party. So, why is Atiku hobnobbing with him politically? That is classic anti-party behaviour,” he said.
He also took aim at Wike, referencing President Bola Tinubu’s recent charge to the FCT Minister to ensure APC’s victory in the upcoming council polls. “Wike publicly agreed to help the APC win in the FCT. How can someone in that position still claim loyalty to the PDP?” George asked.
George warned that the party risks collapse if its national leadership continues to tolerate such indiscipline. “This is the time to wield the big stick. Nobody is bigger than the party,” he said. “Once we remove the liabilities within, we will be in a better position to reclaim power in 2027.”
He further alleged that some PDP governors have joined Wike and Atiku in endorsing Tinubu’s 2027 reelection bid, calling it a blatant affront to party unity and principles.
“Has discipline gone to the dogs? Has sanity taken flight in the way we run our party now?” George queried.
On national issues, the PDP chieftain expressed grave concern over rising insecurity and what he called Tinubu’s poor handling of the economy. “Insurrection, insurgency, kidnappings, and corruption have taken over the land. What is the President doing to stop the drift?” he asked.
George also criticised the banking sector, accusing bank managing directors of living in luxury while ordinary Nigerians suffer. He urged President Tinubu to compel each bank MD to contribute at least ₦20 billion annually into a Special Intervention Fund to help alleviate the economic hardship across the country.
“Our bank executives fly private jets and live in opulence. Where is all this money coming from? Insider abuses, round-tripping, and hidden charges are draining Nigerians,” he said.
Concluding, George warned that Nigeria’s international standing is under threat. “We once helped restore democracy and stability across Africa, but today, our own house is in disarray. Are we still the Giant of Africa or just a shadow of what we once were?”
He called on former presidents, party elders, and national stakeholders to urgently intervene and restore discipline, integrity, and direction to the PDP and the country at large.
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