Those Who Think PDP Is Dead Are Dreamers – Bode George Declares

A chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Bode George, has dismissed suggestions that the party is in decline, describing those who hold such views as “dreamers.” Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Monday, George insisted that despite recent internal challenges, the PDP remains deeply rooted and resilient.

“No way; those are dreamers. I’m telling you, they are first-class dreamers,” the elder statesman declared when asked about perceptions that the PDP is dead. “In political management, ownership structure, camaraderie—what we have in the PDP, they don’t have.”

George, a member of the party’s Board of Trustees (BoT), likened the PDP to “the Iroko political party of Nigeria,” emphasizing that the party’s foundation remains solid despite the turbulence it has faced in recent months.

PDP Secretariat Blockade Sparks Outrage

The comment came hours after a dramatic event at the PDP national secretariat in Abuja, where police operatives barricaded the entrance, preventing George and other party leaders from accessing the premises for scheduled meetings.

Describing the scene, George said, “It’s like going back to your home, and suddenly it’s surrounded by police. I thought, what in the globe is happening?” He condemned the action as “disgraceful,” questioning whether there was any legitimate basis for the blockade.

George further stated that the incident was a painful reminder of the challenges within the country’s democratic system but insisted it served as a learning opportunity for party members. “There’s no organisation in the world without a crisis. The most sensible thing is to come back, close the door, speak some home truths, debate, and unite—and that is what we’ve done today,” he noted.

NEC Meeting Relocated Amidst Chaos

Following the blockade, the PDP was forced to relocate its Board of Trustees (BoT) meeting to the Yar’Adua Centre in Abuja’s Central Business District, citing security concerns. Members of the National Working Committee (NWC) and BoT had initially gathered for critical meetings of the National Executive Committee (NEC) and BoT but were denied entry.

Addressing journalists shortly after, George issued a stern warning to the Federal Government against actions capable of destabilising the political space. “This is our property. Was there any court order stopping us from meeting in our office? Nigerians are watching. You want to turn us into North Korea or Russia? We will not allow it,” he said.

Despite the disruption, the PDP managed to hold its 100th NEC meeting later in the day at its Wadata Plaza headquarters after the police blockade was lifted. Acting National Chairman Umar Damagum informed members that the meeting’s sole agenda was to set a date for a comprehensive NEC session to deliberate on the national convention and other pressing issues.

Security Agencies Under Scrutiny

The heavy police presence at the PDP secretariat drew widespread criticism from several party leaders. While Bauchi State Governor and Chairman of the PDP Governors’ Forum, Bala Mohammed, defended the police action, claiming it was to prevent miscreants from disrupting the meeting, other leaders strongly disagreed.

Former PDP National Secretary, Umar Tsauri, alleged that police officers on the ground told them they were acting on “orders from above.” Similarly, BoT member Maina Chiroma described the police deployment as a clear act of intimidation against the party.

In response, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command denied sealing the PDP secretariat. The command’s spokesperson, Josephine Adeh, stated that the officers were merely deployed to maintain law and order around the area and not to prevent the meeting.

Leadership Crisis Still Looms

The PDP continues to grapple with a leadership crisis, particularly over the contentious position of National Secretary. Although the Supreme Court issued a ruling in March on the matter, rival factions have offered conflicting interpretations. Both Senator Samuel Anyanwu and Sunday Ude-Okoye maintain claims to the office.

The NEC meeting concluded with a resolution affirming Anyanwu as the National Secretary pending further legal clarification. The party also set July 23 as the date for its next NEC session, where decisions about the national convention and other internal matters are expected to be addressed.

Meanwhile, a fresh hearing to resolve the lingering dispute over the National Secretary position is scheduled for September 22 at the Federal High Court in Abuja. Party elders, including Bode George, continue to call for unity, warning that the PDP must put its house in order to effectively challenge the ruling party in future elections.