Former Deputy National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Bode George, has criticised party members agitating for the zoning of the 2027 presidential ticket to the North, describing their demands as selfish and manipulative.
Speaking on Channels Television’s Lunchtime Politics on Tuesday, George praised the National Executive Council (NEC) and PDP governors for unanimously agreeing to zone the next presidential slot to the South while retaining the national chairmanship in the North. He said the decision was necessary to ensure fairness and balance within the party, stressing that “there is no question of the chairman and president being in the same zone.”
According to him, the resolution brought an end to what he termed “existential imbecility” within the PDP, adding that the party was regaining unity as many defectors had started returning. “The more divided a house is, the more defeated it becomes,” he noted, while thanking governors for showing leadership and candour in resolving the issue.
On the fate of members who worked against the PDP in the 2023 elections, including Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike, and Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, George said the party would remain patient but firm. He explained that while the PDP is open to accommodating different views, those who refuse to align with the party’s collective decisions may face disciplinary action.
The NEC decision in Abuja on Monday formally zoned the 2027 presidential ticket to the South. This development comes as the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has already adopted President Bola Tinubu as its candidate for the election.
