Says Atiku, Wike’s desperation should not destroy party
Former Deputy National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Olabode George, yesterday, lamented the destructive influence of the alleged selfish interests of some members, as the party set to hold its National Executive Committee (NEC) on November 28.
He also advised Atiku Abubakar to abandon his presidential aspirations, expressing concerns about Atiku’s persistent pursuit of the presidency, citing his age and previous unsuccessful attempts.
“He (Atiku) will be 81 in 2027 and has been contesting since 1993. This is the time for you to calm down and act like an elder,” George said.
Speaking at his 79th birthday celebration in Lagos, George condemned the growing trend of pretentious members working against the party’s interests, stating that some individuals had “one leg in PDP and another in the All Progressives Congress (APC).”
He emphasised that the chameleonic behaviour threatened the party’s survival and undermined its ability to rescue Nigerians from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2027.
George expressed concern over the party’s direction, citing the rift between Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State and former Governor, Nyesom Wike, as a prime example of the destructive infighting plaguing the party.
He warned that unless the PDP addressed its internal conflicts, it risked catastrophic failure in the upcoming elections.
The veteran politician, who served as a military governor and a National Vice Chairman for PDP Southwest, urged party elders to intervene and call on members to prioritise national interest over personal ambition.
He emphasised that the party’s survival depended on its ability to present a united front against the APC, which, he said, had “destroyed the economy and burned the bridge that binds us together since 2015.”
George criticised Atiku’s role in the PDP’s internal conflicts, particularly during the 2023 presidential election.
He said: “Atiku, Iyorchia Ayu, and others allowed Bola Tinubu to become President today. Why is Atiku so desperate?”
He urged Atiku to prioritise the party’s unity and consider the nation’s interests. “Some of us won’t allow your desperation to destroy this party. You can even leave PDP and go to your business partner in APC.”
He urged Wike to resolve his differences with Fubara, expressing concerns about Wike’s actions, stating: “Wike boasted openly and threatened governors, saying he would put fire in their states.
If the APC-led Federal Government refused to sanction him, why can’t the PDP penalise him?”
George questioned Wike’s motives, asking, “What exactly is Governor Fubara’s offence? Was he not helped by Wike to become Rivers State governor?”
He criticised Wike’s godfatherism, saying: “Must Fubara behave like a slave to his predecessor?”
The Guardian
