Bode George, a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Board of Trustees, has called on former Vice President Atiku Abubakar to reconsider his political ambitions for the 2027 presidential election.
Speaking at a press conference in Lagos on Thursday to mark his 79th birthday, George urged Atiku, who will be 81 in 2027, to step back and allow younger candidates to emerge. Highlighting Atiku’s long history of presidential bids since 1993, George appealed to him to embrace the role of a statesman for the good of the party and the nation.
“I appeal to you in the name of the Almighty Allah that you serve, take it easy and leave everything for prosperity,” George said.
The PDP stalwart also raised concerns over the state of the party, citing internal divisions and self-serving interests as major challenges ahead of the 2027 general elections. He described the PDP as “a shadow of itself” and blamed some members for undermining efforts to strengthen the party’s unity.
George called for urgent reforms within the PDP and emphasized the importance of inclusivity as the party prepares for its National Convention. He also criticized certain members of the party, whom he referred to as “desperados,” accusing them of collaborating with the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to the detriment of the PDP’s prospects.
Reflecting on the party’s founding ideals, George lamented that the vision of the PDP’s deceased founding fathers had been betrayed by factionalism and personal ambition. He urged members to prioritize the party’s collective goals over individual interests to rebuild its reputation and electoral strength.
In his concluding remarks, George reiterated the need for unity within the PDP, warning that its future success hinges on the ability of its members to work together for the greater good.
