Bode George Issues Ultimatum to Atiku, Wike to Exit PDP
LAGOS, Nigeria—On April 23, 2025, Chief Olabode George, a former Deputy National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), issued a stern ultimatum, demanding that former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike immediately exit the PDP due to alleged anti-party activities. George’s statement, made in Lagos, accuses the duo of openly aligning with the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), embarrassing the main opposition party as Nigeria grapples with economic and security challenges. The ultimatum, trending on X with #PDPCrisis (120,000 posts), has deepened the PDP’s internal rift, raising questions about its unity ahead of the 2027 elections, as of April 24, 2025.
Ultimatum and Accusations
In a strongly worded statement, George, a founding elder of the PDP and Atona Oodua of Yorubaland, expressed outrage over Atiku and Wike’s “open display of affinity” to the APC, per Daily Post. He criticized Atiku’s visit to former President Muhammadu Buhari in Kaduna, questioning its political motives, as Buhari is not a PDP member. “General Buhari remains my boss, but he is not a member of our party. So, why is Atiku hobnobbing with him politically?” George queried, labeling it an anti-party offense (Blueprint).
George also slammed Wike for agreeing to President Bola Tinubu’s directive to secure FCT council elections for the APC while claiming PDP membership. “Are people now shameless politically that they cannot be principled?” he asked, per Tribune Online. He accused the PDP leadership of tolerating such actions, warning that the party risks becoming a “rudderless ship” without decisive intervention (TheCable).
Context of PDP’s Crisis
The ultimatum comes amid a deepening PDP crisis, with George previously warning that the party could face extinction by 2027 if internal conflicts persist (Businessday NG). Recent defections, including Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa to the APC, have intensified tensions, with George calling such moves a “betrayal” of the PDP’s platform (Mc Ebisco). He argued that governors elected on PDP’s ticket should vacate office upon defection, per Businessday NG.
George’s frustration also stems from Atiku’s pursuit of a coalition for 2027 without consulting PDP leadership, which he described as treating the party like a “private fiefdom” (Naija News). He emphasized the PDP’s founding principles of equity, justice, and fairness, citing the late Chief Alex Ekwueme’s commitment to party unity (P.M. News). George warned that a northern presidential candidate like Atiku in 2027 would send the PDP to the “dustbin of history,” advocating for a southern candidate to uphold zoning principles (TheCable).
Public and Political Reactions
The ultimatum has sparked significant reactions. On X, #PDPCrisis posts (120,000) and #BodeGeorge (50,000) reflect a divided sentiment, with @OneJoblessBoy quoting George’s warning: “If Atiku picks the PDP’s ticket, that’s the end of this party” (X Post). Supporters like @TheNationNews praised George’s call for discipline, while critics like @nigeriantribune argued that expelling Atiku, the 2023 presidential candidate, could further weaken the PDP (X Post).
PDP chieftain Dr. Seye O’Dairo defended George, clarifying that his stance is rooted in equity, not personal animosity toward Atiku, per Tribune Online. However, Otunba Segun Adewale countered that Atiku’s contributions to the PDP outweigh anti-party accusations, blaming internal sabotage for the party’s 2023 loss (Tribune Online). Analyst Vince Onyekwelu warned that expelling key figures could alienate voters, per Daily Trust.
Broader Context and Challenges
George’s ultimatum coincides with Nigeria’s economic and security woes, including a naira at N1,610/$1, 40% inflation, and over 120 civilian deaths in April 2025, per NBS and The Punch. He urged President Tinubu to create a Special Fund, demanding bank MDs contribute N20 billion each to ease economic hardship, accusing them of “round-tripping” and fraudulent charges (Nigerian Eye).
The PDP’s internal strife, exacerbated by defections and coalition talks, threatens its role as Nigeria’s main opposition. George’s loyalty to the PDP, expressed in his vow never to leave despite crises, underscores his commitment to its founding ideals (Vanguard). However, with governors like Umo Eno and Peter Mbah reportedly considering APC moves, the party faces a critical juncture (Mc Ebisco).
Looking Ahead: PDP’s Future
George called on PDP elders to enforce discipline, warning that Atiku and Wike “are not bigger than the party” (Freedom Online). The party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting in May 2025 will be pivotal, with George urging a committee to investigate past conflicts, per Arise News. Failure to act, he warned, could deepen divisions, per Politics Nigeria.
As Nigeria navigates mpox cases and cultural moments like Wizkid’s Morayo topping charts, per BellaNaija, the PDP’s ability to unify will determine its 2027 prospects. George’s ultimatum, while bold, risks alienating key figures, testing the party’s resilience in a volatile political landscape.
Key Metrics: PDP Defections (2024–2025)
| Figure | Role | Action | Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sheriff Oborevwori | Delta Governor | Defected to APC | April 2025 |
| Ifeanyi Okowa | Former Delta Governor | Defected to APC | April 2025 |
| Atiku Abubakar | Former VP | Accused of anti-party acts | April 2025 |
| Nyesom Wike | FCT Minister | Accused of anti-party acts | April 2025 |
