Bode George Slams Adeleke’s PDP Exit, Warns of Dangerous Threats to Nigeria’s Democracy

|By Chinwendu Nwani

A chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Bode George, has condemned the departure of Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke from the party, describing it as a desperate survival move triggered by internal turmoil.

Speaking to journalists in Lagos on Tuesday, George said the governor’s hurried exit reflected the deepening confusion within the PDP, especially the lingering dispute over who truly leads the party. He argued that the lack of clear direction may have pushed Adeleke into what he called “a troubling and unnecessary step.”

George also urged President Bola Tinubu to rein in the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, warning that unchecked political interference and abuse of power threaten Nigeria’s democratic stability. He noted that the November 18 disruption at the PDP national secretariat—allegedly carried out by a group previously expelled for anti-party activities—signaled a dangerous slide.

He accused the group, reportedly emboldened by a serving Federal Minister, of attempting to block a duly elected PDP leadership from taking office, describing the act as “unlawful and a direct assault on democratic order.”

“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,” he said.