As the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) prepares for a crucial National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting, party chieftain and former Deputy National Chairman, Chief Bode George, has insisted that the meeting will go ahead despite tensions, and that the party is capable of surviving what he called a “self-inflicted” crisis.
Speaking during an interview with ARISE News, George acknowledged the PDP’s current state of disarray but dismissed suggestions that the crisis is irreparable. He argued that the situation stemmed from internal decisions and personal ambitions rather than structural failure.
“I have been in this party since 1998. We have had crisis. There is no political organisation or any organisation, whether political or otherwise, that will not have crisis. And this is self-inflicted crisis. That’s what I’m saying. The people put their interest before the corporate interest of the party.”
“I am pleading with all of them, those who still love this party, to please come down. We will meet on Monday. Call it whatever name you want to call it. And we will resolve our crisis. We will resolve it by Monday,” he added.
When asked whether he believes the PDP can still be rescued despite its internal wranglings, George maintained that the ability to confront uncomfortable truths behind closed doors was a measure of leadership competence and party maturity.
He said, “When you have crisis within the party, like we have now, or between the legislative arm, the executive arm, and the party, it is the responsibility of the elders, the custodian of the liabilities and the assets of the party to weigh in. What I had done, and I will be quite explicit, is this. You know, there are two arguments about the meeting for Monday.
“The chairman said there will be no NEC meeting and stated there will be caucus meeting. Because according to him, you needed 21 days notice to the INEC. Now, the other members of the working committee said it was a postponement of NEC to the 30th of June. And that both the electoral act of 2022 and the INEC regulatory guidelines for political parties are right here.
“And now everybody is interpreting it in different manners. But I will read it for the benefit of the listening public. And let me tell you, there is no organisation anywhere in the world you will not have crisis. But your ability to close your doors, tell yourself some home truths, and reassess the areas of friction will be a measure of your competence to the public. I don’t see this as a breaking point. It’s a lesson. It’s a deep lesson for us.”
He expressed disappointment that party members were focusing on what he termed “lightweight” issues, while ignoring the need to restore internal order and discipline, saying that the members of the party need to themselves to order and find a way to move forward.
George was particularly blunt in his remarks about FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, rejecting any notion that he “owns” the PDP. While acknowledging Wike’s past contributions to the party, he condemned the minister’s recent actions — especially his public support for President Tinubu — as inconsistent with PDP values.
“When did Wike join the party? Who said he owns it? Okay. He has contributed his quota, yes. But to say he owns the party, that’s a fallacy.”
Despite the infighting and growing discontent, George remains adamant that the PDP remains the only truly national political party, with a structure and reach capable of revival.
“The only local political party in this country is PDP. No matter, anybody who wants to move off like a rolling stone, they can go. Leave those who are remaining, and we will bring this party back up,” he said.
Ozioma Samuel-Ugwuezi
