PDP Will Not Field Atiku in 2027 — Bode George Declares 2023 Candidacy a Mistake

Former Deputy National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Bode George, has ruled out the possibility of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar contesting the 2027 presidential election on the party’s platform, describing his 2023 candidacy as a costly error. 

Speaking during an appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today, George said the decision to allow Atiku contest in 2023 was a “self-inflicted mistake” that went against the founding principles of the party. 

“We made a great mistake in 2023, and we cannot afford to repeat it,” he said. “We gave him a waiver to contest after eight years of President Buhari, another northerner. That was totally against the zoning formula enshrined in our party’s constitution.” 

He added that the PDP must return to its core values, particularly zoning and power rotation, to maintain internal cohesion and national relevance. 

“We must learn from our past. If we give the ticket to Atiku again, that may be the end of this party,” George warned. 

He expressed confidence that the party would uphold zoning in the run-up to 2027, insisting that it is time for the South to produce the next presidential candidate. 

George also lauded PDP governors for rejecting proposed merger or coalition talks with other political parties, calling such moves unnecessary. 

“PDP is a structured, national party. We cannot merge with structureless platforms,” he said. “Let those who want to be part of a serious political movement come and join us. We are rebuilding, and the PDP is on the path to recovery.” 

He commended the outcome of the PDP Governors’ Forum meeting held in Ibadan, describing it as a turning point for the party’s future. 

“What they did in Ibadan gave me hope again. That meeting rekindled my faith in the PDP,” George stated. 

The remarks by the PDP chieftain signal renewed internal debates over the party’s direction ahead of the 2027 general elections, particularly concerning zoning and candidate selection.