Chief Olabode George, former Deputy National Chairman (South) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has faulted any attempt by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to determine or impose leadership on the opposition party, insisting that only the PDP constitution and its members can decide who leads the party.
Speaking during an interview on Arise TV, Bode George reacted to reports suggesting that INEC was recognising a Wike-aligned faction of the PDP, following the appearance of its representatives at a recent INEC consultative meeting. He cautioned that such developments, if mishandled, could deepen the party’s internal crisis and threaten Nigeria’s democratic stability.
The PDP chieftain stressed that INEC’s role is purely regulatory and administrative, not arbitral, adding that engagement with any faction should not be misconstrued as legal or constitutional recognition. According to him, unresolved court cases and internal party processes must first be concluded before any leadership claims can be considered valid.
Bode George called on party leaders to put the PDP’s survival above personal interests, urging reconciliation, respect for court rulings, and strict adherence to the party’s constitution. He warned that failure to resolve the leadership crisis transparently could weaken the PDP ahead of future elections and undermine public confidence in democratic institutions.