Chief Bode George, a Board of Trustees (BoT) member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has issued a stern warning that the party risks total collapse if former Vice President Atiku Abubakar emerges as its presidential candidate for the 2027 general elections.
Speaking on Politics Today, a Channels Television programme, on Monday, George said, “If he (Atiku) picks it (PDP’s ticket), that is the end of this party. If he picks it by manipulation, which was what was done the last time, we will not accept it.”
Atiku, PDP’s 2023 presidential flag bearer, came second behind President Bola Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress (APC). Despite six attempts at the presidency under various platforms, Atiku has yet to clinch Nigeria’s top job.
Recently, Atiku spearheaded the formation of an opposition coalition with Peter Obi, former governor of Anambra State, and ex-Kaduna governor Nasir El-Rufai. Formed on March 20, 2025, the coalition aims to unseat President Tinubu in 2027, citing mismanagement of the economy, rising inflation, and a soaring cost of living.
In a major blow to the initiative, PDP governors on April 14, 2025, rejected any proposed merger or alliance with other parties, distancing themselves from Atiku’s coalition. George applauded the governors, stating, “They put on their thinking caps.”
He also questioned Atiku’s leadership credentials, accusing him of failing to resolve internal PDP crises and acting in self-interest. “The fact that he was the presidential candidate at the last election doesn’t make him the undisputed leader of the party,” George said. “If he’s running for his private interest, it’s different from the interest of the party.”
On the issue of zoning, George pointed to Section 7, Sub-section 3C of the PDP Constitution, which emphasizes power rotation. “After eight years in the north, it must return to the south. Is Atiku from the South-West, South-South, or South-East?” he asked.
While making it clear that he is not backing President Tinubu’s re-election bid, George maintained that the PDP must field a southern candidate in 2027 to reclaim national power and restore internal party equity.
