A prominent elder statesman and senior member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Olabode George has condemned former Vice President Atiku Abubakar’s choice to quit from the party. George described Atiku’s move as “irresponsible and greedy,” declaring that it stemmed from his insistence on being the party’s flag bearer.
During an exclusive interview on News Central’s Tonight, Chief George highlighted the importance of communal decision-making within a political party. “You know, sometimes you win some, sometimes you lose some. That is the essence of working together. It’s not a private fiefdom of anybody,” he stated.
George further questioned Atiku’s leadership competences, suggesting that an inability to resolve internal party crises reflects poorly on one’s capacity to govern the nation. “The fact that you are able to sit down to discuss and come out with a resolution is a measure of your competence. If you are able to manage such crises in your party, then if you get out, Nigerians will trust that you can make amends and resolve the crisis of this country,” he argued. He condemned Atiku’s rationale for leaving, labeling it “existential imbecility” and “utter nonsense” if motivated solely by a yearning for a specific position.
Appealing straight to Atiku, Chief George who was one time chairman of the Nigerian Ports Authority urged him to reconsider his actions, mentioning his age and past privileges. “I am pleading with my brother. I am pleading with him. Let him look back. Look, by 2027, he’s going to be 81 years old. Why can’t he wait? Why can’t he just, he’d be number two in this country,” George beseeched. He stressed that being the Vice President is a “privileged position” and probed Atiku’s ambition for more.
Chief George refuted the idea of PDP’s collapse, he stated, “The Iroko political party can never go under and will not go under because of the ambition of one individual. Never!” He assured Nigerians that the party remains “solidly on ground” and is preparing for future conventions to present an appropriate leader from the South. “You will see us back in our full scheme,” he concluded, expressing confidence that the PDP would convince Nigerians of its renewed strength.
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