A prominent chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Bode George, has cautioned that Nigeria risks instability if opposition voices continue to be weakened, warning that democracy cannot function without strong institutional balance and respect for dissenting views.
Speaking on ARISE News on Wednesday, George said his recent open letter to President Bola Tinubu was driven by concern over what he described as increasing political tension and the alleged suppression of opposition voices.
“Don’t allow this country to collapse. We have seen it in the past. Please avoid the pitfalls of the past,” he said.
He also warned that political power is temporary and should be exercised with caution and responsibility.
“Power is transient, no matter how long. Someday you will relieve yourself of that power. Someday you will also pass on,” he added.
George argued that the current political environment reflects growing strain on democratic structures, cautioning that continued pressure on opposition parties could destabilise the country.
“We are civilised men. Yes, we have disagreements… they have increased the tempo to a level where we cannot,” he said.
He warned that any escalation into confrontation would have severe consequences.
“If we have to start acting physically or violently against what they are doing, it will mean Nigeria is ablaze,” he cautioned.
The PDP stalwart maintained that the judiciary remains the only legitimate avenue for resolving political disputes, though he questioned some recent court decisions.
“The only other outlet for us is to go to the judiciary for adjudication,” he said, describing some rulings as troubling.
“What kind of nonsense is that? You could see that that was nothing but pre-emptive tension,” he said, adding, “Where are we going, for God’s sake?”
George also reflected on Nigeria’s historical leadership role in Africa, lamenting what he described as a decline in governance standards.
“Look, Nigeria is still the giant of Africa. We liberated South Africa,” he said. “Right now, we are behaving as if there is only one man who can decide.”
He stressed that democracy must remain rooted in popular will.
“Democracy comes from the bottom. The will of the people must be respected,” he said.
Addressing internal PDP disputes, including zoning controversies and leadership struggles, George said party decisions were guided by long-standing principles.
“By our principles, after eight years in the north, it must come back for eight years in the south,” he explained.
He also clarified his stance during past party tensions, stating he did not take positions based on personal loyalty but on collective party interest.
“I didn’t support Wike personally, we later looked at it and agreed to bring people together to save the party,” he said.
George also reacted strongly to a viral video allegedly linked to a political figure, describing the comments as inappropriate and calling for an apology.
“I am utterly, utterly very shocked… he was utterly wrong. And he must apologise,” he said.
He warned that continued disregard for democratic norms and institutional independence could push Nigeria toward a critical breaking point.
