Bode George Attributes PDP Crisis to Greed

A leading figure in the Peoples Democratic Party, Chief Ola Bode George, has pointed to greed and a waning respect for core values as key reasons for the ongoing turmoil within the party.

In a recent interview on Eagle 102.5 FM's Frontline program, the elder statesman examined the roots of the party's internal strife.

He emphasized that the discord was not a result of ideological splits but stemmed from actions taken by individuals who disregarded the guidelines set forth by the party's founders.

George remarked that the PDP was intentionally designed to maintain national equilibrium and political stability in Nigeria, particularly highlighted through its zoning arrangement that enables various regions to alternate in key political positions, including the presidency.

He observed that the unraveling of this structure initiated when some party members prioritized their personal ambitions over the party's collective goals.

“I do not wish to delve into the minutiae of the beginnings of this issue. It originated from greed, from a lack of respect for our established authorities. The tenets laid out by our party's founding fathers have been thoroughly ignored. Now, individuals are possessive, insisting on their own preferences, rather than allowing the will of the people to prevail,” he stated.

George underscored that the PDP's zoning policy was intended to foster equity among Nigeria’s varied ethnic and regional factions, pointing out that this arrangement was instrumental in stabilizing the country’s political landscape after years marked by discord.

He reflected that this initiative was created by distinguished politicians who aimed to avert crises that could jeopardize Nigeria's democracy.

“The PDP established a framework in which all Nigerians, whether from major or minority groups, are recognized, accountable, and entitled to benefit from the blessings unique to their regions. The founding fathers designated Nigeria into six geopolitical zones, initiating this zoning system which allows one zone to hold the presidency for an eight-year term before it rotates to another zone.”