PDP Will Not Field Atiku in 2027, 2023 Was a Great Mistake – Bode George

Former Deputy National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Bode George, has delivered a stern rebuke of the party’s 2023 presidential strategy, stating unequivocally that fielding former Vice President Atiku Abubakar as the candidate was a “great mistake” and a violation of the PDP’s core principles.

Speaking during an appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today, George said the decision to grant Atiku a waiver to contest after President Muhammadu Buhari’s eight-year tenure was a “self-inflicted wound.” He described it as a fundamental breach of the PDP’s zoning agreement, which is designed to alternate presidential power between the North and South to foster national unity and inclusion.

George warned that the repetition of such an error in 2027 could spell the end for the Peoples Democratic Party as a major political force. “It was wrong and I said it then. Giving Atiku the ticket in 2023 after Buhari’s eight years was a disservice to the principle of fairness, equity, and justice that our founding fathers built this party on,” he said.

PDP Must Return to Its Founding Zoning Ideals

Chief George reiterated the importance of zoning in sustaining the PDP’s national character and electoral appeal. According to him, the party’s disregard for its own zoning arrangement in 2023 alienated Southern supporters and weakened its ability to present a united front against the All Progressives Congress (APC).

“The PDP is not just a political party; it is a national platform built on balance and fairness. The presidency must rotate. If it stays in the North after eight years under Buhari, what message are we sending to the South?” he asked. George further emphasized that the only path to restoring the Peoples Democratic Party’s credibility is to unequivocally commit to zoning the 2027 presidential ticket to the South.

He cautioned that any attempt to present Atiku again as the party’s standard-bearer would be met with stiff resistance from party loyalists in the South and could lead to irreparable cracks in the PDP. “Let me say it clearly: PDP will not and should not field Atiku in 2027,” George declared.

No Merger with ‘Structureless Platforms’ – George Praises PDP Governors

In a related development, George commended PDP governors for standing against proposed coalition or merger talks with other political parties, particularly those without a nationwide structure. He argued that such moves could dilute the PDP’s identity and distract from its rebuilding efforts.

“I was encouraged when I heard our governors reject the idea of a merger. PDP is not a mushroom party that should be swallowed up by others. If anything, those without structure should come and join us,” he said. George highlighted that the Peoples Democratic Party, despite its recent setbacks, remains one of the most organized and far-reaching political institutions in Nigeria.

He encouraged party leaders and members to focus on internal reforms and unity rather than seeking external alliances that could create more chaos than solutions. According to him, rebuilding from within is the surest route to regaining the public’s trust.

PDP Governors’ Forum Meeting in Ibadan a Turning Point

Bode George expressed renewed optimism about the party’s future following the recent PDP Governors’ Forum meeting held in Ibadan. He described the gathering as a “turning point” that affirmed his belief in the PDP’s ability to recover and reassert itself as a national political heavyweight.

“I was particularly inspired by the resolutions from the Ibadan meeting. It showed that our governors understand the times and are ready to take the right steps. It gave me renewed hope that PDP can still bounce back,” George noted. He added that the unity displayed among the governors was a positive sign of internal coherence and strategic direction.

George stated that the forum’s commitment to revitalizing the Peoples Democratic Party from within—rather than looking outward for quick fixes—was a demonstration of political maturity and strategic foresight. He urged stakeholders across the country to rally behind this momentum and work towards restoring the party’s lost glory.

Warning Against Repeating 2023 Mistakes

In a passionate conclusion, Bode George warned that any attempt to repeat the mistakes of 2023—particularly the abandonment of zoning and the re-nomination of Atiku—would be disastrous. He urged party elders and stakeholders to act decisively and protect the integrity of the PDP’s founding principles.

“We cannot afford another self-inflicted defeat. The 2023 election should serve as a bitter lesson. We must not gamble with 2027,” George said. He called on Southern leaders in the Peoples Democratic Party to demand fairness and assert their right to produce the next presidential candidate, emphasizing that only through equity can the PDP regain national relevance and electoral strength.

With his bold statements, Bode George has thrown down the gauntlet ahead of the 2027 election cycle, potentially reshaping internal party politics and reigniting the debate over zoning, leadership, and unity within Nigeria’s main opposition party.