A prominent figure in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Bode George, has condemned demands from certain members to zone the party’s 2027 presidential ticket to the northern part of the country, calling the move “selfish and manipulative.”
During an interview on Channels Television, George commended the recent decision by the PDP’s governors and the National Executive Council (NEC) to allocate the presidential ticket to the southern region while keeping the national chairmanship in the North.
He praised the governors for their unanimous agreement, stating that this decision would allow the South to complete its eight-year term in the presidency, which aligns with principles of fairness and equity.
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George characterised the push for a northern candidate as a power grab motivated by personal ambition.
According to George, the party’s resolution has ended a period of what he called “existential imbecility”, and he noted that former members who had left the party are now returning.
He expressed satisfaction at the newfound unity, stating that a divided party cannot succeed.
When asked about how the PDP plans to handle members like FCT Minister Nyesom Wike and Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, who worked against the party in the 2023 elections, George stated that the party would not rush to take disciplinary action.
He said the party’s leadership wants to show it can be accommodating, adding that it is a positive trait for a political party to be able to manage diverse personalities.
However, he warned that if these members do not eventually align with the party’s position, they could face “the sledgehammer.”
The New Daily Prime earlier reported that PDP zoned its presidential slot to the southern part of the country, ahead of the 2027 presidential election and said the position of chairman would be retained by a northerner.
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The party also ratified Umar Damagum as its substantive national chairman on Monday during the party’s 102nd National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting held at its Abuja headquarters.
Damagum has been steering the party in an acting capacity since March 2023, following the suspension of former chairman, Iyorchia Ayu — a move later validated by the courts.
