By Olatunbosun Obafemi
Former Deputy National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Bode George, has expressed strong disapproval of recent defections by some senior party figures to the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
Speaking at a PDP stakeholders meeting in Lagos, George described the move as disappointing and disheartening, particularly because it involves leaders who once held some of the highest offices in the country under the PDP’s platform.
He singled out former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former Senate President David Mark, and former Speaker and Sokoto State Governor Aminu Tambuwal, questioning their decision to abandon the party that, according to him, mentored and elevated them to national prominence.
“It is unfortunate that those who were once ranked second, third, and fourth in the country, and who were mentored by the PDP, have now turned their backs on the party,” George said. He likened the defections to abandoning one’s family home because of a leaky roof. “You do not leave your father’s house because it is leaking and go to live in a stranger’s house,” he added.
The PDP chieftain, also known as the Atona Oodua of Yorubaland, described the gathering as a celebration of what he called the “restoration” of the party and urged disaffected members to return before it is too late. He warned that those who had previously defected only ended up regretting the move after facing betrayal and disappointment in their new alliances.
“There are many manoeuvres going on, and I am deeply disheartened. Those who have benefited the most from this party—those who rose to become number two and three in the nation—are the ones walking away,” he said.
George called for unity and reflection, urging party loyalists to stay the course as the PDP works to reclaim its relevance.
