Former Deputy National Chairman (South-West) of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Bode George, has vowed that the party will not repeat what he called a major mistake—giving former Vice President Atiku Abubakar the 2023 presidential ticket.
Speaking on Politics Today on Channels Television on Monday, George said the PDP regrets its decision to field Atiku, describing it as a “self-inflicted wound.”
“We really messed up,” he admitted. “After a northerner ruled for eight years, it was wrong to hand the ticket to another northerner. It went against our zoning principles.”
George referenced the PDP’s internal rule (Section 7, Subsection 3C), which promotes power rotation between the North and South. He argued that after President Buhari’s eight-year term, the presidency should have gone to the South.
“We ignored the principles of our founding fathers. We warned them, but they were carried away. It was a foolish mistake, and we won’t let it happen again,” he added.
When asked whether Atiku could still emerge as PDP’s candidate in 2027, George was firm: “He cannot. Not after eight years in the North. If he becomes our candidate again, that will be the end of the PDP. He can contest from another party, but not here.”
George also praised PDP governors for rejecting any merger or coalition talks with other parties ahead of the 2027 elections. After a meeting in Ibadan on Monday, the PDP Governors’ Forum, led by Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi, stated that the party would remain independent and open its doors only to those willing to join its platform.
George supported this stance, calling it a bold and wise move.
“It would be embarrassing for a party like the PDP to chase after smaller platforms for a merger,” he said. “We are not dead. This proves we’re on the path to recovery. The governors gave me hope that we’re getting back on track.”
He emphasized that the PDP has the structure and history to reclaim leadership in 2027 without relying on coalitions.