Bode George Alleges APC, INEC Threaten Democracy, Warns of National Collapse

Chief Olabode George, who previously served as the Deputy National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has issued a stern warning, suggesting that the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) could undermine Nigeria's democratic system.

In a statement released recently, the elder statesman expressed alarm, stating that recent conduct and remarks from both the APC and INEC indicate a desire to prevent any presidential candidate other than President Bola Tinubu of the APC from contesting in 2027.

He further asserted that these entities are prepared to dismantle democratic principles, tenets, and ethics to achieve their objective.

George drew a parallel between the current situation and the biblical story of Abimelech, who, driven by ambition, eliminated many to secure a kingship, but noted that divine intervention ultimately thwarted his plans. He urged all national leaders and elders, regardless of political affiliation, to speak out against these developments, emphasizing the need to confront wrongdoing directly rather than appeasing it.

"This is the time for all leaders and elders, irrespective of party affiliation, to rise and condemn what is going on. You don’t appease evil. You deal with evil. Enough is enough. This nation must not sink," George stated.

Reflecting on his long life and experience, the PDP chieftain, who is 80 years old, recalled the political turmoil in the Western Region starting in 1962, suggesting that some individuals currently fueling crises might not have been alive then.

"At 80 years, what am I looking for? I was in Form 4 in secondary school when the Western Region crisis started in 1962. I don’t think some of those causing crisis in the polity today were born then. Military or civilian, I have seen it all. We must not allow this country to go down," he added.

George emphasized that the nation is issuing a preliminary warning and that Nigeria is too significant to be manipulated by a select group motivated by greed.

He pointed to the prevailing insecurity, stating that the country is in a state of decline. He rejected the idea of external factors being solely responsible for the widespread killings and kidnappings, noting that the perpetrators are citizens.

"Instead of the president, as the Commander-in-Chief to deal with these blood- thirsty maniacs, he is busy using INEC to destroy opposition parties," George remarked.

He concluded by stating that Nigerians would not permit such actions and expressed regret that the electoral commission appears to have become an instrument for the ruling party to dismantle democracy.