A former Deputy National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, Chief Bode George, has dismissed claims that the party’s structure in Lagos State has collapsed following recent defections to the All Progressives Congress.
Speaking to journalists after a PDP stakeholders’ meeting in Lagos on Monday, George likened the party’s nationwide structure to the deep roots of an Iroko or Lebanon oak tree that cannot be easily shaken.
The PDP chieftain was reacting to the defection of key Lagos PDP members including the 2023 governorship candidate Dr. Abdul-Azeez Adediran (Jandor) and spokesman Alhaji Hakeem Amode, who claimed the party’s structure had collapsed into the APC.
George described their assertion as “nonsensical,” maintaining that while organizations face challenges, the PDP’s foundation remains unshaken across Nigeria.
“I want to assure our leaders that the Iroko political party is very much alive,” George declared. He dismissed the defectors as inconsequential, rhetorically asking “Who are these people in PDP?” while questioning their actual influence in the party. The elder statesman expressed regret over a respected party leader’s endorsement of Jandor in 2023, calling it an unfortunate decision that led to him receiving the party’s flag.
“It is absolutely nonsensical to say the PDP structure in Lagos State has collapsed into APC,” George insisted. He explained the party’s resilience: “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.”
George revealed the PDP is currently reviewing its self-inflicted mistakes from the 2023 elections and has learned valuable lessons. “These people believe we’ve collapsed, but it’s a lie,” he stated, accusing the defectors of spreading deliberate misinformation. The party leader emphasized that PDP would no longer tolerate candidate imposition, vowing “From now on, no more ‘Baba says’ imposition” and insisting future candidates must emerge through proper democratic processes.
On national issues, George addressed the political situation in Rivers State, urging President Bola Tinubu to reinstate suspended Governor Sim Fubara and respect the people’s democratic mandate. He warned against actions that could undermine Nigeria’s democracy, particularly criticizing Tinubu’s request to the National Assembly to approve key appointments in Rivers under the emergency rule framework.
The appointments in question include chairman and members of the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission, Primary Healthcare Board, Civil Service Commission, and Local Government Civil Service Commission. “This move raises serious concerns about power concentration and undermines democratic institutions,” George cautioned, advising the President to exercise restraint.
George called on Tinubu to focus on pressing national challenges including insecurity, hunger, unemployment and social vices rather than political control in Rivers. Notable PDP stakeholders present at the meeting included Senator Motorola Bucknor, Chief Aduke Maina, Dr. Niran Adeniji, Dr. Layi Ogunbambi, Dr. Amos Fawole, Captain Tunji Shelle (retd.), Dr. Seye O’Dairo, Alhaji Ismail Abiola, Alhaji Akorode Imam, Alhaja Babs Olorunkemi, Alhaja Tanwa Olusi, Elder John Agbaje, Chief Ahmed Alashe and members of the PDP Local Government Area Chairmen Forum.
