Chief Bode George, former Deputy National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has robustly refuted recent assertions that the party’s structure in Lagos State has collapsed. Speaking to journalists on Monday after a crucial PDP stakeholders’ meeting in Lagos, George likened the party’s foundation in Lagos and across Nigeria to the deep roots of a mighty Iroko or Lebanon oak tree, emphasizing its enduring strength.
The remarks come in the wake of notable defections from the PDP to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), including prominent Lagos PDP figures such as the 2023 governorship candidate, Dr. Abdul-Azeez Adediran (popularly known as Jandor), and the party’s spokesman, Alhaji Hakeem Amode. These defectors alleged that the PDP’s organizational structure had effectively crumbled and merged into the APC.
George dismissed these claims as “nonsensical,” stressing that all political organizations encounter challenging periods but the PDP’s roots run deep and firmly across Nigeria. “I want to assure our leaders that the Iroko political party is very much alive,” he declared, underscoring the party’s resilience.
Criticizing the defectors, George described them as “mere caricatures” and questioned their influence within the PDP. He also expressed regret over the endorsement of Jandor by a respected PDP elder in 2023, which led to his candidacy and eventual defection, calling that endorsement “unfortunate.”
Addressing the party’s internal challenges, George acknowledged that the PDP is currently navigating a crisis but insisted it is resolvable. “This party is an Iroko tree, like an oak in Lebanon. No matter the wind or storm, the Iroko will stand because of its deep roots. That is why we’ve survived till today,” he said.
Reflecting on lessons from the 2023 elections, George revealed that the PDP is critically assessing its own mistakes and vowed to prevent candidate imposition in future contests. “We are determined that anyone contesting must go through the people. From now on, no more ‘Baba says’ imposition,” he asserted.
On the political situation in Rivers State, George urged President Bola Tinubu to reinstate the suspended Governor Sim Fubara and respect the democratic mandate of the people. He expressed concern over the President’s recent request to the National Assembly for approval of key appointments under the emergency rule in Rivers, warning that such moves risk concentrating power and undermining democratic institutions.
George cautioned against empowering the Rivers Sole Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (Rtd), to conduct council elections or fill critical positions, urging the President to prioritize national challenges such as insecurity, unemployment, and social vices over political control.
The PDP stakeholders’ meeting in Lagos was attended by notable figures including Senator Motorola Bucknor, Chief Aduke Maina, Dr. Niran Adeniji, and other party leaders, underscoring the party’s commitment to unity and renewal.
