Chief Bode George, a senior figure in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has sharply condemned Senate President Godswill Akpabio for branding the PDP a “defunct party.”
In an interview with Sunday PUNCH, George described Akpabio’s comments as “ungrateful and disrespectful,” highlighting that the PDP was instrumental in launching Akpabio’s political journey.
The controversial statements came during an APC South-South stakeholders meeting held on Saturday in Benin City, Edo State.
Addressing party members, Akpabio dismissed the PDP and the emerging opposition coalition led by the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as irrelevant in the lead-up to the 2027 elections.
“I saw my brother, former governor Okowa. Though he was the vice-presidential candidate on the defunct PDP platform, he has now seen the light,” Akpabio said.
“It doesn’t matter what name the opposition goes by Adamu United, Adama, Ada-Obi, or even ADC like the old airline. The South-South is united behind Asiwaju and the APC.”
In response, George reminded Akpabio of his political origins “Who made him governor? Who gave him the platform? It was the PDP. Now he’s attacking the party that nurtured him. He should think carefully before speaking like this.”
George also pointed to the PDP’s role in shaping the careers of key leaders such as Akpabio and former Delta State governor Ifeanyi Okowa.
“Nigerians understand why Okowa has remained silent. Just listen to what Oshiomhole said,” George added.
Akpabio served two terms as Akwa Ibom State governor under the PDP, chaired the PDP Governors’ Forum, and won a Senate seat on the party’s ticket in 2015 before defecting to the APC in 2018.
ADC spokesperson Bolaji Abdullahi dismissed Akpabio’s remarks as mere political posturing reflecting the ruling party’s anxiety.
“All they do is mock. When we launched, they said the coalition was dead on arrival. Now they’re clearly unsettled,” Abdullahi said.
“We remain focused and confident that we will defeat them.”
