Bode George, former deputy national chairman (south) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has issued a stern warning that the party may face the “dustbin of history” if it selects a northerner as its presidential candidate in the 2027 election. George criticized some PDP members advocating for a northern presidential candidate and emphasized the need for the candidate to come from the southern part of the country.
Speaking at a press conference in Lagos, George expressed concern that the party could suffer a significant downfall if it deviates from the principle of zoning. He urged PDP members to support a southern candidate in 2027, reiterating his previous calls for zoning during the build-up to the 2023 presidential election.
George highlighted the division within the party following the nomination of Atiku Abubakar, a northerner, as the PDP presidential candidate in the 2023 election. Despite his best efforts and those of other party members calling for southern representation, Atiku won the primary, causing internal strife.
The former deputy national chairman warned against repeating the mistake in 2027, stating, “A northerner cannot be the presidential candidate of our party in 2027, pure and simple.” He called on the real elders in the party to stand up and advocate for a southern candidate to ensure party unity and success in the upcoming elections.
In a related development, Bode George faced criticism from the apex Igbo socio-cultural organization, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, over his comments on the demolition of Igbo-owned properties by the Lagos State Government. Ohanaeze Ndigbo described George’s statements as “unstatesmanly and bigoted” and defended the contributions of the Igbo community to the development of Lagos. The organization asserted that George’s support for the Lagos State Government’s policies was misdirected and called for a more inclusive and understanding approach.
