Bode George Opens Up on PDP's Failures, Citing Greed and Disregard for Principles
In a candid interview, former National Vice Chairman (South-West) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Olabode George, has pointed to greed, avarice, and a blatant disregard for the party's founding principles as the root causes of its ongoing crisis. Speaking on Thursday during a Frontline interview on Eagle 102.5 FM in Ijebu-Ilese, Ogun State, George emphasized that the internal divisions within the PDP stem not from ideological differences but from individuals ignoring the guidelines established by the party's founders.
Internal Divisions and Leadership Disputes
George's remarks come at a time when the PDP is grappling with significant defections and leadership disputes following the 2023 general election. Governors, lawmakers, and senior party members have increasingly left for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and other parties, severely weakening the opposition. He cited recent examples, such as Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara's defection to the APC in December 2025, along with lawmakers loyal to him, as symptomatic of a party losing its way due to abandoned discipline in favor of personal ambition.
"I don't want to go back into the details of how this nonsense started. It started because of avarice, because of greed, because of a lack of respect for constituted authorities," George stated. "The guidelines as stipulated by the founding fathers of our party were totally disconnected, and they were now saying, 'Oh, it must be me, he must be this.' Who are you? Let the will of the people prevail."
Undermining of the Zoning System
The former Military Administrator of Ondo State highlighted that the PDP's zoning arrangement was originally designed to ensure national balance and stability by rotating key positions among Nigeria's six geopolitical zones. He explained that this system guaranteed participation and representation for all Nigerians, regardless of tribe or region, fostering a sense of inclusivity and opportunity.
"PDP created a concept of operation in this country where we decided that every Nigerian, whether you are a majority or minority tribe, you are acceptable and responsible, and you must benefit from the gifts that God gave you in your own local area," George said. "You do zonal rotation to make sure that you are guaranteed that you will not only be a participant but that one day you can come and meet your people and say you can be president. What can be better than that? Which other political party does that in this country? None."
However, he lamented that this system began to collapse when individuals prioritized personal ambition over party discipline, leading to the current turmoil. "How did we miss it? The main point is human greed. One fellow came out and said, 'I don't care whatever it is, I am going to contest.' All the manipulation they created followed from there," he added.
Call for Restoration of Founding Principles
George issued a stern warning that the neglect of the PDP's founding principles will continue to destabilize the party unless members return to its original framework. He expressed concern that the party's founders would be deeply troubled by the current state of affairs, emphasizing that restoring respect for these guidelines is the only path to unity and stability.
"Those old men who had passed on would be shaking violently in their graves. That was when we turned logic upside down in our party, and that is the result we are seeing today," he remarked. George stressed that a recommitment to the party's core values is essential for overcoming the ongoing crisis and rebuilding a cohesive opposition force in Nigerian politics.
