Former Deputy National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Bode George, has firmly stated that the party will not present a Northern candidate for the 2027 presidential election. He described any such move as a betrayal of the party’s founding principles and an affront to its late founding fathers.
Speaking during a meeting organized by the Lagos State chapter of the PDP to mark what was termed the party’s “restoration,” George criticized ongoing defections within the party. He accused President Bola Tinubu of using undue influence to pressure PDP governors into joining the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
“There’s no possibility of the PDP fielding a Northerner in 2027,” George said. “Doing so would dishonor the legacy of the founding fathers, many of whom have passed away. It’s a grave insult to their memory. Take the late Dr. Alex Ekwueme, for example he contested for the PDP’s presidential ticket but didn’t win, and he remained committed to the party. That’s the mark of a true statesman.”
Addressing those leaving the PDP to form new political alliances, George dismissed their efforts as fruitless.
“My advice to those breaking away to form coalitions is simple: be cautious. These people tried it before and returned when it didn’t work out. Now, they’re trying again. They’re like rolling stones—they gather no moss. Leaving your party just because it’s facing challenges is like abandoning your father’s house because the roof is leaking, only to go live in a rented apartment,” he said.
George also alleged that the APC, under President Tinubu, is actively coercing PDP governors into defecting. “Let it be known—power doesn’t belong to Tinubu or any one individual. Nigerians must remain vigilant,” he added.
Advertisement
