Chief Olabode George, the former Deputy National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has voiced his concerns over the potential instability that could have arisen if Alhaji Atiku Abubakar had won the presidency in 2023.
In a recent interview on Arise Television, George highlighted the tensions within the PDP following Atiku’s selection as the party’s presidential candidate for the 2023 election. He argued that Atiku’s candidacy, coming from the northern region, could have destabilized the nation, especially after President Muhammadu Buhari’s eight-year tenure, which also hailed from the north. George emphasized that many Nigerians were eager for a power shift to the southern region, and Atiku’s candidacy disrupted this expectation.
According to George, the decision to field Atiku as the PDP’s candidate created deep rifts within the party, particularly because the party’s National Chairman at the time, Iyorchia Ayu, was also from the north.
“Ayu should have stepped down long before the election,” George remarked, adding that Atiku’s emergence “disrupted the party’s established norms.”
He went on to explain that the party’s internal divisions were exacerbated by the manipulation of the process to favor Atiku.
“The moment we tampered with the process to accommodate Atiku, the problems began. Ignoring these issues only leads to further division. We must face the truth, as only the truth will set us free. The 2023 election split the PDP in two,” George stated.
George also speculated on the challenges that would have arisen had Atiku won the election.
“If Atiku had been victorious, I would have stayed away because I know it would have led to a collapse. This country wouldn’t have accepted it—after eight years of northern leadership, the presidency should naturally shift to the south. Those seeking appointments in such a scenario, I wish them luck,” he commented.
Turning to the current state of the PDP, George expressed concerns over the party’s internal struggles, pointing out that it is now divided into three factions, each vying for control. He questioned the party’s moral standing in criticizing the current government, given its own unresolved issues.
George also revealed that he declined an appointment to the PDP’s Disciplinary Committee, which was formed to address members accused of undermining the party in the 2023 elections. He refused to serve under Chief Tom Ikimi, the committee’s chairman, citing differences in party hierarchy and experience.
“I’ve known Tom for a long time, but in terms of party hierarchy, I rank above him. It’s inappropriate to place me under someone I outrank within the party,” George explained.
He concluded by expressing doubts about the effectiveness of the Disciplinary Committee, questioning its ultimate purpose and potential impact. “Where will this committee lead us?” George pondered.
