Chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Bode George, has strongly criticised former Vice President Atiku Abubakar over his recent visit to former President Muhammadu Buhari in Kaduna State, calling the move a betrayal of party principles.
Speaking on Arise Television’s Morning Show on Tuesday, George, a former deputy national chairman of the PDP, described Atiku’s ongoing coalition drive as a mere ploy to weaken the main opposition party ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Atiku, who has been rallying opposition figures to form a mega political coalition aimed at unseating President Bola Tinubu, visited Buhari in Kaduna alongside notable figures, including former Governors Nasir el-Rufai (Kaduna) and Aminu Tambuwal (Sokoto). The visit sparked widespread speculation about the formation of a new political bloc.
Reacting to the development, George questioned Atiku’s motives, warning that the PDP is not a “private fiefdom” to be sidelined by personal ambition.
“Those who are now forming a mega party — what is the purpose of that? You are a member of a solid organisation, and you want to pull out? You are meeting with Buhari — is he a member of our party?” George asked. “You don’t just flip-flop because of your ambition.”
He condemned Atiku’s apparent outreach to Buhari, stating, “We presented you against him, and he flopped you like a little kid, and now you’re running to him?”
George also raised concerns over the composition of Atiku’s delegation, pointing out a lack of geographic and political diversity. “If you look at the congregation of those who visited Buhari, they are all from one side. Who are the others from our party?” he asked.
The South-West PDP stalwart further expressed fears that the coalition effort could deepen national divisions. “Is he trying to divide Nigeria from the North and then the South?” he queried.
Urging party members to unite rather than fragment, George said, “Come home and work together for the party ahead of 2027.”
He voiced deep disappointment over reports that some PDP governors are planning to defect to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), labeling the move as political betrayal. “A platform that gave you all the necessary tools, the opportunity to represent your constituency — now, halfway into your tenure, you are jumping ship? I am very disappointed,” he said.
George also recalled his diplomatic mission to South Africa under the late President Umaru Yar’Adua, where he observed stronger party systems. “There, when you say the party is supreme, the party is supreme,” he remarked, contrasting it with Nigeria’s fluid political loyalties.
He slammed governors considering a switch to the APC, saying, “The electorate in their states supported them because of the programmes of the party. Now you want to go back? What is it that APC presented?”
George’s comments come amid reports that at least three PDP governors may be planning to defect to support President Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027.
