Former Deputy National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Bode George, has described calls for the party’s 2027 presidential ticket to be zoned to the Northern region as “selfish and manipulative”.
The PDP chieftain, who spoke on Channels Television’s Lunchtime Politics programme on Tuesday, praised the PDP governors and National Executive Council (NEC) for zoning the ticket to the southern region while retaining the chairmanship in the North.
Chief George commended the unanimous decision by PDP governors and NEC to zone the presidential ticket to the South, citing fairness and equity.
“Unanimously, in that NEC meeting yesterday (Monday), we agreed to zone the ticket to the south for the next four years to complete the eight years in the south,” he said.
George described demands for the ticket to be zoned to the North as “selfish and manipulative”, stating that such calls are driven by a desire to grab power.
George emphasised that the PDP would not rush into punitive measures against members who worked against the party in 2023, such as Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, and Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde.
“As a political party, you will have all kinds of characters, and your ability to manage those characters will impact positively on the electorate,” he said.
George noted that the party wanted to be accommodating but would take action if these members don’t fall in line.
“We’ve given these characters some time, but if they cannot roll back and fall in line, then the sledgehammer will be brought on them,” he warned.
George noted that the zoning decision has ended “existential imbecility” in the party, promoting unity and harmony among members.
“It’s refreshing to see us come together as one indivisible party.
”The more divided a house is, the more defeated it becomes,” he said.
George also noted that former members who defected were already returning, recognizing the importance of fairness and equity in the party.
