Chief Bode George, former Deputy National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has called upon former Vice President Atiku Abubakar to end his long-standing pursuit of Nigeria’s presidency. Speaking at a press conference from his Lagos office, George, 78, argued that after three decades and numerous attempts, Atiku should step aside for new leadership within the party as Nigeria heads toward the 2027 election.
“To Atiku, my advice is this: you will be 81 years old in 2027. You have been contesting for the presidency since 1993. This is the time for you to calm down and act like an elder,” George stated, appealing to Atiku’s faith, saying, “In the name of Almighty Allah, I ask you to take it easy and leave everything for posterity.”
George’s comments come as the PDP faces mounting internal divisions, which he attributes to unchecked ambition and self-interest. “We are where we are today because of self-inflicted crisis. We should bury our individual ambitions now and not allow the PDP to crumble,” he said, urging party elders to focus on national rather than personal gain. He condemned certain “divisive, arrogant, haughty” members for cozying up to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) while refusing to officially defect, labeling them “cowards” unwilling to declare their true political leanings.
The former PDP deputy chairman also addressed the escalating tension between Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his predecessor, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, describing it as a distraction fueled by personal vendettas. Urging Wike to “cool off,” George offered fatherly counsel, stating, “You are my political son. I am advising you to let go of the grievances from the last PDP presidential contest and work for the unity of the party.”
Pointing out that Fubara has frequently acknowledged Wike’s role in his political ascent, George questioned why the party hierarchy is failing to mediate and allow the two leaders to reconcile. “What exactly is going on that some party members don’t feel bothered about the happenings in Rivers State?” he asked, raising concerns over the lack of elder statesmanship within the PDP.
In a wider rebuke, George questioned why some members seem intent on allowing the PDP to spiral further into discord. “Must the governor behave like a slave to his predecessor? Why are the party leaders not eager to bring both groups to normalcy? Why can’t we learn from our past mistakes?”
For George, the message is clear: it’s time for the PDP to set aside personal agendas, respect its principles, and move forward. He warns that if these “troublemakers” do not step back, the party’s future may be imperiled.
