PDP Veteran Condemns Atiku, Mark, Ayu Over “Greed and Betrayal”

Former Deputy National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Olabode George, has strongly dismissed the newly formed African Democratic Congress (ADC) coalition aimed at unseating President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2027 general elections, declaring he will never be part of the alliance.

In an interview monitored by Akahi News and originally published by Daily Independent, Chief George accused key figures behind the coalition—former Senate President David Mark, ex-Vice President Atiku Abubakar, and former PDP National Chairman, Dr. Iyorchia Ayu—of undermining the PDP’s internal democratic processes and abandoning the party for selfish political gains.

“What is David Mark?” George queried. “What strong opposition are they forming? Did you not hear what the people of Otukpo said? Instead of fixing the road from Makurdi to Otukpo, he built a helipad on top of his house. Who will join their party? There is only one reason they left the PDP,” he stated.

“Greed and Ambition Destroyed Our Party”

The respected PDP stalwart, who turns 80 soon, lamented that the founding principles of fairness, balance, and power rotation in the PDP have been grossly violated by those now leading the coalition. Akahi News gathered that George faulted the trio for ignoring the zoning formula enshrined in the party’s constitution—a principle designed to ensure equity among Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones.

“We agreed that once a northerner runs the presidency for eight years, power must rotate to the South for the next eight years,” he said. “But greed and insatiable ambition drove them to manipulate the system. David Mark chaired the convention, Ayu was national chairman, both from the same state. They insulted the legacy of those who built the party.”

George, one of the founding fathers of the PDP, argued that the current state of the opposition could have been avoided if internal democracy had been respected. He emphasised that the party’s zoning principle was not a suggestion but a constitutional directive aimed at national unity.

“I’ll Die a PDP Man” — Bode George Declares

Speaking with characteristic firmness, Chief George reaffirmed his loyalty to the PDP, stressing that he has no plans to defect despite ongoing political realignments ahead of 2027.

“I can never go to the ADC. What is ADC? Me, go there? I am an irredentist PDP member,” he declared. “The day I leave PDP, I am returning home. By God’s grace, we will hold our convention this weekend. Let the will of the people prevail. Announce what the people vote. Do not circumvent their will.”

Akahi News gathered that the PDP elder statesman has repeatedly warned party leaders against internal sabotage, urging them to rebuild unity and integrity ahead of the next electoral cycle.

Analysts React: PDP Faces Tougher Future

Political observers told Akahi News that George’s remarks highlight deep divisions within Nigeria’s main opposition camp. With prominent figures like Atiku Abubakar and David Mark reportedly aligning with the ADC coalition, analysts believe the PDP’s cohesion and relevance could face further strain in the coming years.

However, they note that George’s influence, especially in the South-West, remains significant. His consistent defence of the PDP’s founding ideals could serve as a rallying point for loyal members seeking to rebuild the party from within.

The emergence of the ADC coalition adds a new dimension to Nigeria’s pre-2027 political landscape. Yet, with Chief George’s firm rejection and the lingering rift within the PDP, the opposition’s path toward unity appears uncertain.

By Joseph Iyaji | Akahi News
Joseph Iyaji is a journalist, educator, and founder of Akahi G. International, Akahi Tutors, and Akahi News. Read more about him here.
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