Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftain, Chief Bode George, has blasted some party leaders for what he described as selfishness, factionalism, and “existential imbecility” as the opposition party heads toward its national convention in Ibadan.
Speaking on ARISE News Thursday, George dismissed calls to suspend the convention or form a caretaker committee, calling such suggestions unconstitutional and self-serving.
“It amazes me how people twist things for their selfish ends,” George said. “The senator you mentioned, Saraki, chaired the first reconciliation committee a while back. Now, on the eve of the convention, he’s talking about forming a caretaker committee? I totally disagree.”
He insisted that the PDP’s leadership remains solid, with most members of the National Working Committee (NWC) standing behind the convention plan. “The main party is intact,” he said. “We’re waiting for the court ruling in Ibadan. It’s just a water showcase.”
George dismissed attempts to drag the judiciary into party matters, citing Supreme Court rulings that internal party disputes are beyond judicial interference. “Go to your party and fix your problems,” he said.
Condemning what he called “reckless behaviour” within the party, George said it dishonours the PDP’s founding fathers. “The kind of conduct we’re seeing is demeaning — existential imbecility. The founding fathers will be shaking in their graves,” he said.
He singled out the National Secretary, Senator Samuel Ayo, for allegedly overstepping his powers by announcing a convention postponement without proper authorisation. “Only three out of nineteen NWC members support that nonsense,” he said. “You hear the voice of Jacob, but the hand of Esau.”
George also drew historical parallels with the Western Region crisis of the 1960s, warning that internal conflict could destabilise the party again. “This country is big enough for everyone. If you want to leave the PDP, get the hell out,” he said.
Despite the tension, he expressed optimism. “By God’s grace, we’ll hold our convention and prove that the PDP remains strong,” George concluded.