Bode George calls Adeleke’s exit from PDP ‘a desperate bid for survival’ as party crisis deepens

Elder statesman and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftain, Bode George, has described Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke’s resignation from the party as a “desperate survival move”, warning that the turmoil within the opposition group poses serious risks to Nigeria’s democratic future.

Speaking to journalists in Lagos on Tuesday, George said the internal crisis rocking the PDP may have pushed Adeleke to make a hasty exit, but insisted the development remained “deeply troubling” for a party still grappling with unresolved leadership disputes.

He argued that the confusion over which faction controls the party’s national leadership likely contributed to the governor’s decision, which he said “reflects the scale of the dysfunction within the PDP”.

George also urged President Bola Tinubu to rein in the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, accusing him of encouraging actions that undermine democratic institutions.
According to him, the disruption at the PDP National Secretariat on 18 November—allegedly carried out by individuals previously expelled for anti-party activities—was a “grave warning” of the dangers posed by unchecked political interference.

He said the attempt to block a duly elected leadership from taking office was unlawful and part of a pattern of behaviour that threatens Nigeria’s multi-party system.

“As a life member of the PDP Board of Trustees, I maintain without ambiguity: anyone wishing to leave the party is free to do so. A political party, like a tree, grows stronger when unhealthy branches fall away,” George stated.

The party continues to face mounting uncertainty as high-profile departures and internal battles raise questions about its ability to contest future elections effectively.