Chief Bode George, a respected elder in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has made an emotional plea to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar.
Speaking at a press conference in his Ikoyi office on Thursday, George urged Atiku to end his decades-long ambition to become Nigeria’s president.
Atiku, who has been contesting for the presidency since 1993, was advised to assume the role of an elder statesman.
“You will be 81 years old in 2027,” George said. “This is the time for you to calm down and act like an elder. I appeal to you in the name of the Almighty Allah to leave the race for posterity.”
The PDP stalwart lamented the state of the party, attributing its challenges to personal ambitions overshadowing national interest.
George expressed concerns over internal divisions threatening the PDP’s future.
“We are where we are today because of a self-inflicted crisis,” he said. “Some members uplift personal ambitions over national interest.”
He described certain party members as “divisive, arrogant, and haughty.”
George condemned their actions, accusing them of secretly aligning with the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
“Instead of defecting, they create chaos within our party,” he said. “No member is big enough to hold the PDP to ransom.”
George also addressed the escalating crisis between Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike.
The disagreement has caused ripples within the PDP, with some members allegedly fueling tensions.
“My advice to Wike is simple. You are my political son. Please, cool off,” George appealed.
He acknowledged Wike’s grievances from the last PDP presidential primaries but urged him to let bygones be bygones.
“Governor Fubara has acknowledged Wike’s support publicly. Must he now behave like a slave to his predecessor because of godfatherism? Let’s resolve this issue and move forward.”
George questioned why party leaders had failed to mediate in the crisis.
“Why are some members encouraging this conflict? Why can’t we learn from our past mistakes?” he asked.
George stressed the importance of generational transition within the PDP.
He argued that Atiku’s continued pursuit of the presidency was not in the best interest of the party or the nation.
“The PDP needs fresh ideas and younger leaders to inspire hope in Nigerians,” he said.
The former PDP Deputy National Chairman urged party members to prioritize unity and the party’s survival.
“We need to bury our individual ambitions now and focus on the national interest,” George emphasized.
He called on elders within the PDP to guide the younger generation and ensure the party’s longevity.
“Nigerians are angry and hungry,” he said. “We must rise above petty politics and address the real issues affecting our people.”
George warned that the PDP’s survival depends on resolving internal disputes and presenting a united front.
He appealed to all members to focus on rebuilding the party and regaining the trust of Nigerians.
“This is not the time for selfish interests,” he said. “Let’s work together to make the PDP stronger.”
