Former Deputy National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Olabode George, has called on former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and other top party leaders to remain in the PDP instead of forming or joining any opposition coalition ahead of the 2027 elections.
Speaking on Thursday at a political gathering in Lagos titled “Restitution of Restoration”, George said the PDP remains the strongest and most viable platform to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2027. He warned that leaving the PDP for a new coalition would be a step backward.
This comes after several prominent opposition figures – including members of the PDP, Labour Party, and aggrieved APC members – recently adopted the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as the new platform to challenge APC in the next presidential election. Former Senate President David Mark is believed to be one of the key figures behind this move.
But George insisted the PDP has overcome its internal crisis and is now “a reborn party” ready to reclaim its place as Nigeria’s main opposition force.
“There is no coalition in today’s Nigeria that can be stronger than the PDP,” George said. “Those forming a coalition have tried that route before – it led to nothing. They should come back and help rebuild this Iroko party.”
He accused those leaving the PDP of disrespecting the memory of the party’s founding fathers who “sacrificed everything” to build the party. George said it was unfair for politicians who rose to high positions through the PDP to now abandon it.
He also reminded members that the party has already zoned the 2027 presidency to the South, in line with its founding principles of equity and power rotation.
“There is no major issue of contention in the PDP anymore. We have resolved our differences. So why are they still trying to leave?” George asked. “If it is because of presidential ambition, let them remember that positions are zoned in our party to keep the country united.”
George urged all estranged members to rethink and return to the PDP, stressing that only unity within the party can guarantee success in 2027.