Former PDP Deputy National Chairman, Chief Bode George, likened the party’s structure to an Iroko tree, dismissing claims of its collapse in Lagos and Nigeria despite recent high-profile defections
PDP Lagos Resilience is unwavering, according to former PDP Deputy National Chairman, Chief Bode George.
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Speaking on Monday to journalists after a PDP stakeholders’ meeting in Lagos, George vehemently denied claims that the party’s structure in Lagos and Nigeria had collapsed, likening it to the deep, enduring root of an Iroko or Lebanon oak tree.
His comments come in the wake of recent high-profile defections, including the 2023 Lagos governorship candidate, Dr. Abdul-Azeez Adediran (Jandor), and party spokesman, Alh. Hakeem Amode, who moved to the rival All Progressives Congress (APC).
These defectors had asserted that the PDP’s structure had been completely absorbed into the ruling party.
George dismissed their statement as “nonsensical” and firmly rejected the claim, emphasizing that while all organizations face challenging moments, the PDP would endure due to its deep and firmly established roots across the nation.
“I want to assure our leaders that the Iroko political party is very much alive,” George declared. He sharply criticized the defectors, describing them as mere “caricatures” and rhetorically questioned their influence and relevance within the party.
George expressed regret over a respected PDP elder’s endorsement of Jandor in 2023, which led to him receiving the party’s flag, now considering that endorsement unfortunate.
“It is absolutely nonsensical to say the PDP structure in Lagos State has collapsed into APC,” George insisted.
He acknowledged the party’s current internal crisis but maintained it is solvable. “This party is an Iroko tree, like an oak in Lebanon. No matter the wind or storm, the Iroko will stand because of its deep roots. That is why we’ve survived till today,” he explained.
George revealed that the PDP is currently assessing its self-inflicted mistakes and has learned valuable lessons from the 2023 election experience.
“These people believe we’ve collapsed, but it’s a lie,” he reiterated, dismissing the defectors’ claims as deliberate misinformation.
He further affirmed that the PDP would no longer tolerate the imposition of candidates in future elections, a practice he suggested occurred during the last poll cycle.
“We are determined that anyone contesting must go through the people. From now on, no more ‘Baba says’ imposition,” George stated.
On the escalating political tension in Rivers State, George urged President Bola Tinubu to reinstate suspended Governor Sim Fubara and respect the people’s democratic mandate.
He warned that the President’s actions must not threaten the foundations of Nigeria’s hard-won democracy, particularly in politically tense states like Rivers.
George criticized Tinubu’s formal request to the National Assembly seeking approval of key appointments in Rivers under an emergency framework.
He noted that the President had asked for confirmation of a chairman and six members of the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC), alongside appointments to the Primary Healthcare Board, the Civil Service Commission, and the Local Government Civil Service Commission.
“This move raises serious concerns about power concentration and undermines democratic institutions,” George said, urging the President to act with restraint.
He added that Tinubu must not empower the Rivers Sole Administrator, Vice Adm. Ibok-Ete Ibas (Rtd), to conduct council elections or fill key posts.
George implored the President to prioritize Nigeria’s pressing issues—democracy, insecurity, hunger, joblessness, and social vices—over political control.
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The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reported that PDP stakeholders present at the meeting included Sen. Motorola Bucknor, Chief Aduke Maina, Dr. Niran Adeniji, Dr. Layi Ogunbambi, Dr. Amos Fawole, Capt. Tunji Shelle (retd.), Dr. Seye O’Dairo, Alh. Ismail Abiola, Alh. Akorode Imam, Alhaja Babs Olorunkemi, Alhaja Tanwa Olusi, Elder John Agbaje, Chief Ahmed Alashe, and members of the PDP Local Government Area Chairmen Forum.