Former Deputy National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Olabode George, has declared that his long-standing political rivalry with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu no longer translates into personal enmity. Politics(Left)
He said during a national television programme yesterday that they have moved beyond the bitterness that once defined their relationship.
George advised that politics should not be reduced to hatred, stressing that although he remains one of the President’s outspoken critics, there is no personal animosity between them.
His words: “We are no more enemies. We have disagreed politically over the years, but that does not mean we must remain enemies forever.
“Age teaches you many lessons. We have come a long way. There is no need to carry bitterness forever.”
The elder statesman explained that he and Tinubu now exchange pleasantries whenever they meet, adding that maturity demands that politicians separate political differences from personal relationships.
“If I see him today, I will greet him. If he sees me, he greets me. That is the way life should be. Politics should not become a personal war.”
George noted that while he remains committed to the PDP and has no intention of joining the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), he believes democracy thrives when political actors respect one another despite ideological differences.
“I am still a PDP man. I have not changed my party. But politics is about service, not hatred.”
The former military officer advised Nigerians to stop viewing politics as a battlefield where opponents become permanent enemies. NigerianEconomic Updates
He pointed out that countries with enduring democracies allow politicians to disagree vigorously while maintaining mutual respect.
Despite the conciliatory tone, George insisted he would continue to criticise the Tinubu administration whenever its policies fall short of public expectations.
“If I see something that is wrong, I will say it. Constructive criticism is part of democracy. That does not make me anybody’s enemy.” Politics
He added that patriotism requires political leaders to place Nigeria’s interest above personal or partisan considerations and urged politicians to embrace dialogue and tolerance rather than hostility.
The Nation
