Why I Opposed Atiku’s 2023 Presidential Ambition – Bode George

Why I Opposed Atiku’s 2023 Presidential Ambition – Bode George

A member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Board of Trustees, Bode George, has addressed claims that he did not back former Vice President Atiku Abubakar’s 2023 presidential bid due to regional biases. Speaking during a TVC political program on Sunday night, George refuted these allegations, instead attributing his stance to Abubakar’s role in dividing the party during the election campaign.

George, who also recently declined his appointment to the PDP National Disciplinary Committee, emphasized that his decision was not influenced by tribalism. He stated, “Let me tell you, I have no trace of tribalism in my blood. Today, my best friend is a gentleman I met in the military. He is a fully bona fide Fulani man. He is my brother at every level.”

Explaining his lack of support for Abubakar, George recounted that he had initially supported Abubakar during his contest against Muhammadu Buhari, actively campaigning for him in Lagos. However, during the last election, George saw flaws in the party’s strategy, particularly the decision to back another candidate from the North after Buhari’s eight years in power. George argued that this approach was flawed and contributed to the party’s eventual defeat.

“They manipulated the system. We kept warning them not to do this. He divided the party, which led to our votes being divided, and consequently, we lost,” George said. He also called on aggrieved party members to set aside their personal ambitions to ensure the party’s success in the 2027 elections.

This statement from Bode George sheds light on the internal conflicts within the PDP and highlights the need for unity as the party looks to rebuild and strategize for future elections.