Chief Olabode George, who formerly served as the Deputy National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), stated that those defecting from the party are likely to return, emphasizing that PDP remains the most robust and widely embraced political organization in Nigeria.
During the inauguration of the Lagos State Executive Committee held in Ikeja, Lagos, George mentioned that the PDP represents a 'reborn political party' ready to reclaim its position of power nationally by 2027.
He explained that the party's revival follows its national convention in Ibadan, which took place in November 2025, helping to restore the trust Nigerians had initially placed in the party since its establishment in 1998.
"I can assuredly say that what we have in our party today, since the Ibadan national convention, is a rebirth, a new hope, a new start... This is a restoration of the trust that Nigerians placed in the PDP when it was established by our founders in 1998," George remarked.
He insisted that, despite external pressures and alleged intimidation directed at PDP governors and lawmakers to shift their allegiance to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), the party remains steadfast.
"Our governors and lawmakers are being coerced and threatened to defect, but we remain undeterred because PDP is the only genuine national party in the current political landscape. The APC is merely a coalition of unlikely allies," he claimed.
George reiterated that the PDP will not succumb to what he referred to as anti-democratic forces within the APC aiming to disrupt the party.
"We have resolved never to allow anti-democratic elements in the APC to dismantle our party. Those who left must return to this Iroko political party," he asserted.
In his capacity as the Atona Oodua of Yorubaland, George stated that the PDP is better organized than the current administration, citing the conduct of its ward, local government, state congresses, and national convention as proof of its internal democracy.
He criticized the leadership structure of the APC, alleging the imposition of officials and undemocratic practices.
Moreover, he accused the APC of preparing to manipulate the upcoming 2027 general elections, voicing concern that Nigerians would resist any attempts aimed at subverting democracy.
George urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to maintain neutrality and fulfill its constitutional duties, warning against actions that could jeopardize the integrity of Nigeria's democracy.
"Nigerians are frustrated and suffering because of policies detrimental to them. If APC believes that it can replicate what we witnessed in the recent elections in 2027, they will be in for a surprise," he warned.
In addition, the newly appointed Lagos State PDP Chairman, Dr. Amos Fawole, referred to his ascension and that of his executive members as a solemn pact to revitalize the party within the state.
He stated that the inauguration signifies a critical move towards rebuilding trust, reinforcing party structures from the grassroots to the state level, and offering a credible alternative to the populace.
"This is not merely a ceremonial transition; it is a collective agreement to rekindle hope among our people and to rescue the state through focused, people-orientated governance," he asserted.
Fawole assured party leaders at both zonal and national levels that the Lagos PDP will remain stable and pivotal in fostering the party's expansion at regional and national levels.
The event was attended by several distinguished PDP figures, such as former Board of Trustees member Mrs. Aduke Maina, former Deputy Governor of Lagos State Senator Kofoworola Bucknor-Akerele, members of the South-West zonal leadership, and various national officers of the party.
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