Former Deputy National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Bode George, on Tuesday described the defection of Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke from the PDP as a “desperate survival move,” driven by internal party crises.
Speaking to journalists in Lagos on the state of the nation, in a statement titled “State of the Nation – Dear Mr President, Our Nation is Wobbling Politically”, George attributed Adeleke’s departure to the lack of clarity over which faction of the PDP’s leadership holds authority.
He also called on President Bola Tinubu to intervene and urge the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, to exercise restraint for the sake of Nigeria’s democracy.
George warned that unchecked abuse of power threatens national cohesion. “The recent disruption at the PDP Secretariat on November 18 is a grave warning. The actions of a group previously expelled for anti-party activities — reportedly encouraged by a serving Federal Minister — constitute an unacceptable assault on democratic order. Their attempt to prevent a duly elected leadership from assuming office was not only unlawful but part of a broader pattern that jeopardizes the future of multi-party democracy in Nigeria,” he said.
As a life member of the PDP Board of Trustees (BOT), George emphasized that party members are free to leave if they choose. “A political party, like a tree, grows stronger when unhealthy branches fall away,” he noted.
He also questioned why the PDP secretariat was shut down without authorization from the newly elected national chairman, Kabiru Turaki, urging the president to ensure governance aligns with constitutional democracy. “Repeated violations of due process and unchecked abuses of power undermine public confidence and threaten national cohesion.
Nigeria stands at a crossroads. The current trajectory could plunge the nation into deeper political crisis if not halted,” George warned.
Addressing Minister Wike directly, George urged caution, reminding him of the PDP’s role in his political rise. “You have been a major beneficiary of the PDP — from Local Government Chairman, Chief of Staff, Minister, to Governor. It is painful to watch actions that could damage the very institution that nurtured your political career.
Power is temporary; reputation is permanent. Do not allow yourself to be used as an instrument to destabilize the Republic. History shows that when institutions are weakened, chaos follows — a path Nigeria cannot afford,” he said.
George concluded with a call for responsibility, stressing that Nigeria’s democracy, history, and future generations require careful stewardship: “For the sake of our democracy, our history, and our children, the time to act responsibly is now. Nigeria cannot afford another avoidable political collapse.”
