Former Deputy National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Olabode George, has called on President Bola Tinubu to restrain Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, warning that the minister’s recent conduct undermines democratic norms.
George stressed that Wike “is no longer a member of our party,” noting that he and others were expelled during the PDP convention in Ibadan last November.
“So, it doesn’t make any sense for him to be using federal government agents, from Abuja to Rivers, intimidating Nigerians, and claiming to speak on behalf of a faction of PDP.
”He is no longer our member,” George said.
The former party official criticised the presidency, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), and the judiciary for allegedly enabling Wike’s activities, describing them as “double agent” behaviours that threaten national stability.
George referenced viral footage from last Saturday’s elections in Abuja, in which Wike was seen addressing All Progressives Congress (APC) supporters at a polling unit, instructing them to “leave the rest” to him after voting.
“It is absolutely impossible for Wike to be behaving like a power-drunk fellow this way without the backing of Mr. President,” George asserted, warning that the president’s tolerance of such conduct could have long-term consequences.
Drawing historical parallels, George cautioned that unchecked actions by influential figures have previously destabilised Nigeria during the First, Second, and Third Republics.
“Some of the characters used in the First Republic to destroy that era, nobody talks about them again but everybody remembers the cover given to them by the Prime Minister, Abubakar Tafawa-Balewa,” he said.
George further highlighted instances of election-related violence, including security operatives firing tear gas and confiscating ballot boxes, some of whom reportedly shocked policewomen on the scene.
He stressed that the current actions risk provoking public outrage among Nigeria’s 200 million citizens.
“I served in the military and under this civil democracy since 1999.
”No one, no matter how influential or power-drunk, should be allowed to undermine the will of Nigerians,” he said.
He urged President Tinubu to take decisive action immediately to maintain order and uphold democratic principles.
