A prominent figure in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Bode George, has criticised former Vice President Atiku Abubakar over his recent visit to ex-President Muhammadu Buhari.
George expressed dismay that Atiku chose to bypass his fellow PDP members in favour of holding coalition talks with Buhari, a member of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Atiku has been advocating for a nationwide opposition alliance to challenge President Bola Tinubu’s administration in the 2027 elections. However, George sees this move as self-serving and aimed at undermining the PDP’s structure and relevance.
Speaking on Arise Television’s ‘The Morning Show’ on Tuesday, George questioned the motive behind the coalition plan, arguing that it is merely a strategy to advance Atiku’s presidential ambitions. “Those who are now forming mega party, what is the purpose of that mega party? You’re a member of a solid organization, you want to pull out. You are meeting with Baba Buhari. Is he a member of our party? Have you discussed your mega something with anybody else? Do you think it’s a private fiefdom? Is PDP a private company?” he asked.
He accused Atiku of acting unilaterally and neglecting party protocol. “You bring it within the party. Let us discuss it. Once it is approved, then you move. You don’t just flip flop because of your personal ambition,” George added.
He was particularly scathing about Atiku’s meeting with Buhari, referencing their 2019 contest. “We presented you against him, and he flopped you like a little kid, and then you are running there,” he said. George also pointed out that the delegation to Buhari consisted mostly of northerners. “Look at General Buhari shaking hands with these guys… they are all from one side. Who are the others from our party? No, it’s not done that way.”
George warned that Atiku’s actions could deepen divisions along regional lines. He suggested that Atiku was attempting to secure yet another presidential ticket without acknowledging the PDP’s informal rotation policy between the north and south. “We have a system of eight years of presidency in the north and eight years of presidency in the south,” he stressed.
Instead of pushing a personal agenda, George urged PDP members to unite and rebuild the party from within ahead of 2027.
