Bode George, a prominent leader of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has made shocking claims about President Bola Tinubu’s intervention in his political affairs.
George said that Tinubu sent his Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, to persuade him to stay in Nigeria.
This revelation came during an appearance on Arise TV’s Morning Show on Wednesday.
George claimed that he threatened to leave Nigeria if Tinubu won the presidential election in 2023.
He expressed his frustration over the political situation in the country.
“I was going to get out if Tinubu won that election,” George said.
He revealed that after his threat, Tinubu sent Gbajabiamila to plead with him.
“They came with options that they were sorry because they knew they had wronged me,” he added.
George emphasized that his political views do not revolve around Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory.
Yet, he described Wike as “like a son” to him.
George spoke candidly about the divisions within the PDP, especially after the party’s convention.
He criticized former party chairman Iyorchia Ayu for what he saw as broken promises.
“It is an anomaly to have the presidential candidate and the party chairman from the same zone,” George stated.
He believes this situation led to discontent within the party ranks.
George’s comments reflect the ongoing turmoil within the PDP.
Tensions have been heightened by recent disagreements among party members.
He mentioned discussions he had with the party’s leadership regarding these issues.
“I spoke with Ayu that you made a public statement that if the presidential candidate comes from the north, you would resign,” he recalled.
This situation, according to George, triggered the party’s internal conflicts.
He revealed attempts to mediate between Wike and Rivers State Governor Sim Fubara.
The relationship between Wike and Fubara has been strained.
George noted that he sought to address their issues through dialogue.
“I called the Chairman of the Board of Trustees (BoT) that it’s important for us to arrange a meeting with Fubara and Wike,” he said.
George stated that Fubara agreed to meet and share his side of the story.
However, Wike was unavailable, having traveled to China.
“Wike said, sir, I’m going to China and when I’m back we will see,” George explained.
George’s statements also reflect a broader sentiment among PDP members.
