PDP Crisis Deepens as Wike, Bode George Clash
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is once again embroiled in a deepening internal crisis, as a fiery public spat between founding member and Board of Trustees elder, Chief Bode George, and Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, exposes growing fractures that could undermine the party’s chances in the 2027 general elections.
Wike vs. George: Verbal Crossfire Escalates
In a recent media interview, Wike lambasted George, accusing him of contributing little to the PDP’s success over the years.
The former Rivers State governor portrayed George as politically irrelevant, asserting that his influence, especially in the South-West, has failed to deliver tangible results for the party.
George swiftly hit back, denouncing Wike’s comments as “unfounded” and branding the minister “politically immature and historically ignorant.”
According to George, Wike lacks the depth of knowledge to appreciate the foundational sacrifices made by party elders.
“Wike is new to the party compared to some of us who built it. He should not throw stones at a house he barely understands,” George said.
Zoning and Power Struggles Underscore Division
Though both men agree that the PDP’s 2027 presidential ticket should be zoned to the South, George took issue with Wike’s aggressive approach, warning it could alienate party loyalists and derail unity efforts.
“There’s a proper way to demand equity without wrecking the structure. Wike’s confrontational style is more damaging than helpful,” George cautioned.
The zoning controversy isn’t new. The party’s failure to zone its 2023 presidential ticket to the South sparked the G5 Governors’ rebellion led by Wike, a move widely seen as damaging to the party’s electoral prospects.
George also blamed Atiku Abubakar and former National Chairman Iyorchia Ayu for flouting the party’s zoning principle.
Secretary Controversy Further Fractures PDP
Tensions have also intensified over Senator Samuel Anyanwu’s return as PDP National Secretary after he left the role to contest the Imo State governorship election. George called the return unconstitutional and a dangerous precedent.
“You don’t walk away from your post, lose an election, and walk right back in like nothing happened,” he said.
Abia State PDP leaders have also rejected Anyanwu’s return, insisting the position should rotate within the South-East, as agreed internally.
Wike Dismisses George, Defends Legacy
In response, Wike ridiculed George’s political standing, especially in Lagos, accusing him of failing to produce any meaningful electoral victories since 1999.
“If an elder has no job, he should stay home and read newspapers. What has PDP achieved in Lagos under George’s watch? In Rivers, I made the party strong,” Wike said.
On the matter of party finances, Wike mocked George for suggesting he should have paid the PDP’s ₦7 million ground rent to demonstrate loyalty.
He also defended Anyanwu’s continued stay as National Secretary, insisting the role is an elective office and cannot be arbitrarily vacated. “Those who believe in impunity are the ones who should go,” he added.
Wike Denies Rivers Political Interference
Addressing his strained relationship with Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Wike denied instigating the crisis in Rivers State, saying he had given full support to Fubara’s emergence and felt betrayed.
“There’s no crisis from me. I gave him everything—resources, trust. This betrayal is unfortunate,” Wike said.
Public Backlash over Media Spending
Meanwhile, civil rights lawyer Ifeanyi Ejiofor condemned Wike for his “lavish and unnecessary” media engagements, claiming the FCT Minister spends hundreds of millions of naira monthly on public briefings.
“At a time when Nigerians are battling economic hardship, Wike is funding a media circus.
These resources could have been used for education or humanitarian support,” Ejiofor said, calling on President Bola Tinubu to intervene and promote prudent governance.
Outlook
With the PDP’s internal discord spilling into the public arena, party unity ahead of the 2027 elections appears increasingly fragile.
As senior members trade accusations and factions grow bolder, the challenge now lies in whether the PDP can restore internal order—or if its fault lines will further deepen its electoral woes.
PDP Crisis Deepens as Wike, Bode George Clash