Chief Bode George, the former Deputy National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has sharply criticized the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), describing it as a party without a solid structure and likening it to a “one-man show.” His remarks come amidst ongoing political debates about the possibility of new political forces emerging ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general elections.
In a recent appearance on television, George expressed strong disapproval of the APC, highlighting that it lacked a foundation that could ensure sustainable political growth and development. He argued that the party’s leadership is centralized around one individual, which he claimed is detrimental to effective governance and the political process.
“The APC has no structure; it’s just a one-man show,” George stated plainly during the interview, underscoring his concerns about the party’s future and its ability to effectively govern Nigeria. The elder statesman’s criticism of the APC comes at a time when political analysts are increasingly scrutinizing the performance and structure of the ruling party.
George’s comments were not only focused on the APC, but also addressed the growing conversation around the possibility of a third political force rising to challenge the dominance of the PDP and APC in Nigeria’s political landscape. Specifically, he pointed to the Social Democratic Party (SDP) as one such force that could rise to prominence in the upcoming 2027 elections.
However, George made it clear that any viable political alternative must put the people’s interests first, rather than focus on personal ambitions or egos. According to him, the root of Nigeria’s problems lies in the self-interest and individualism exhibited by many political leaders, which hampers the nation’s development and progress.
“Any meaningful alternative must prioritize the people and not personal ambitions. What should come first is the people. Then, our attitude to manage the resources of this country for the benefit of the people. Individualism can never solve this. Personal ambition is a very dangerous, stupid approach to problem-solving,” he emphasized.
George further stressed that governance should be about serving the people, and leaders must be willing to listen to and act for the citizens they represent. He condemned the focus on personal power and urged that leadership should be driven by the needs of the people, not by individuals seeking to enhance their own status.
“You must give in to something and must allow the freshness in the minds of the people of this country. Governance is about them; power should be from them,” George stated passionately, advocating for a system that centers on the people rather than the interests of individual leaders.
George also took the opportunity to address the ongoing internal crisis within the PDP, which has been a major talking point in the Nigerian political landscape in recent months. Despite the challenges facing the opposition party, George remained optimistic that the issues would be resolved during the party’s next National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting.
“The PDP has a system by which we will resolve our problem. The day we have the next NEC meeting, we’ll resolve our problem,” George said confidently, expressing belief that the upcoming meeting would provide the necessary platform for constructive discussions and decisions.
He acknowledged that the party’s problems had evolved from being minor issues to a more significant and divisive force within the party, likening it to a “cancer” that had spread over time. George attributed the party’s struggles to the ambitions of individuals within the party, noting that the conflict had grown as a result of selfish pursuits that undermined the collective goals of the party.
“This thing started like a little sore; now it’s almost like a cancer that spreads. It began with the inordinate ambition of individuals; it didn’t just start yesterday,” George explained, reflecting on the long-standing nature of the PDP’s internal issues.
Despite these challenges, George remained optimistic that the NEC meeting would allow the party to come together, discuss its issues openly, and come to a unified resolution. He further noted that the discussions would be rooted in the principles established by the founding fathers of the PDP.
“The meeting will provide an avenue for honest deliberation. I believe that when we meet, we will fight, discuss, and debate. In the long run, we will come to a unanimous decision because we will now put at the centre of discussion the process established by the founding fathers of the party. Those who don’t like it can take a walk and join another party,” he stated firmly.
George emphasized that the party needed to act decisively to address the ongoing crisis and remove any elements that were causing division. He warned that if the party failed to resolve its issues at the next NEC meeting, it could signal the end for the PDP as a viable political force.
“If the PDP fails to resolve its issues at the next NEC meeting, that’s the end,” George concluded, issuing a stark warning that the party must act quickly and effectively to ensure its continued relevance in Nigeria’s political arena.
George’s statements also raised the issue of the potential rise of third-party politics in Nigeria. With dissatisfaction growing over the two dominant parties—APC and PDP—there is increasing speculation that a new political movement could gain traction in the lead-up to the 2027 elections. The possibility of such a movement has been fueled by the public’s growing frustration with the existing political structures and the perceived lack of real change.
The SDP has often been mentioned as one potential third force capable of shaking up the political landscape, although it remains to be seen whether the party can gain significant ground in the coming years. According to George, however, any new political force must be able to offer more than just a challenge to the status quo; it must present a real alternative that prioritizes the well-being of the Nigerian people over personal ambitions.
“Any third force that emerges must be one that puts the people first,” George emphasized, warning that any party that follows the same pattern of personalistic politics would ultimately fail to bring about meaningful change.
