Chief Olabode George, a former Deputy National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has issued a stark warning that the party's current internal strife is being exacerbated by individual aspirations, which he believes are undermining its foundational principles and national standing.
He emphasized that while political parties naturally encounter internal disagreements, the pursuit of personal interests over collective objectives poses a significant risk to the PDP's cohesion, especially as the 2027 general elections approach.
Speaking in an interview with ARISE News on Thursday, George lamented that the PDP's present situation represents a regrettable departure from the vision of its founders. He recalled that the party was established on the bedrock of unity, inclusivity, and a commitment to national advancement.
George also voiced apprehension that unresolved internal disputes within the PDP could negatively impact Nigeria's democratic stability if not swiftly addressed through genuine reconciliation efforts. He acknowledged that political journeys are not always smooth, stating, "life is not a straight line… sometimes you hit the bumps as you travel."
He elaborated on the PDP's original design, explaining its purpose was to bridge Nigeria's significant ethnic and religious divides, ensuring that both majority and minority groups nationwide had equal opportunities for participation. "They forgot their personal ambition and dedicated their lives to forming a political party that is national in its outlook," he remarked.
George expressed regret that the party's core values of selflessness and collective progress are now being overshadowed by personal ambitions, which he identified as the primary driver of the current crisis. "Suddenly, personal ambitions came in, and we found ourselves in this quagmire," he stated.
While conceding the gravity of the situation, he maintained that the crisis is resolvable, asserting that the party leadership's effectiveness in managing the conflict will be crucial for its future stability. "I don’t see it as an issue that should decimate the party," he added.
The PDP stalwart reiterated that no single individual is more important than the party itself, underscoring that its ownership belongs to all Nigerians who contributed to its establishment and growth across the country. "No individual owns this party," he declared.
He welcomed the intervention by the Court of Appeal in Ibadan, which encouraged disputing members to seek reconciliation, viewing it as a timely and constructive step towards resolving the internal conflict. "Go and sit down, go and see how you can reconcile yourself," he quoted the court's advice.
George, however, cautioned against further escalation of tensions, warning that poorly managed political crises can potentially lead to broader national instability. "No individual… can predict how it will all end," he cautioned.
He criticized party members who continue to act unilaterally, particularly those proceeding with party congresses amidst ongoing reconciliation discussions, characterizing such actions as detrimental to peace efforts. "They are doing congresses… and they don’t want to listen to the discussion that is going on," he observed.
In his view, constructive dialogue must take precedence over political maneuvering, insisting that any resolution must prioritize the party's collective interests above individual aspirations. "No individual ambition can be bigger than this country called Nigeria," he stressed.
George also assured PDP supporters of the party's resilience, expressing confidence that its internal mechanisms would eventually restore unity. "This party will not collapse," he asserted.
He concluded by urging all stakeholders to embrace dialogue and discipline, warning that persistent internal divisions could diminish the party's electoral prospects and disrupt Nigeria's democratic equilibrium.
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