Bode George says the crisis-ridden Peoples Democratic Party has now gone past the era of imposition and will act more democratically to remain active and competitive.

Mr George, a chieftain of the opposition party, stated this on Monday while addressing journalists after a PDP stakeholders’ meeting in Lagos. 

He said the PDP would no longer tolerate the imposition of candidates in future elections, as 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,” Mr George said.

He insisted that the PDP structure had collapsed amid the defection of the party’s former governorship candidate, Abdul-Azeez Adediran (Jandor), and spokesman, Hakeem Amode. They claimed that the PDP’s structure had been collapsed into the ruling party, the All Progressives Congress. George described their statement as “nonsensical” and rejected the claim.

“I want to assure our leaders that the Iroko political party is very much alive,” Mr George said. “Who are these people in PDP?” 

Mr George regretted that a respected PDP elder endorsed Jandor in 2023, leading to him receiving the party’s flag. He now considers that endorsement unfortunate.

“It is absolutely nonsensical to say the PDP structure in Lagos State has collapsed into APC,” Mr George stated.

According to Mr George, the party’s current internal crisis 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,” the politician said.

Mr George said the PDP was assessing its self-inflicted mistakes and has learnt valuable lessons from the 2023 election experience.

“These people believe we’ve collapsed, but it’s a lie,” he reiterated.

Mr George urged President Bola Tinubu to reinstate suspended Governor Sim Fubara and respect the people’s democratic mandate. He stated that the president’s actions must not threaten the foundations of Nigeria’s democracy, especially in politically tense states like Rivers.

The PDP politician criticised Mr Tinubu’s formal request to the National Assembly seeking approval of key appointments in Rivers under the emergency framework.

He noted that the president had asked for confirmation of a chairman and six members of the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission. The request also covered 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,” Mr George said, urging the president to act with restraint.

He added that Mr Tinubu must not empower Rivers’ sole administrator, Ibok-Ete Ibas, to conduct council elections or fill key posts.

Mr George urged the president to prioritise Nigeria’s pressing issues — democracy, insecurity, hunger, joblessness, and social vices — over political control.

(NAN)