Why I didn’t support Atiku’s presidential ambition — Bode George
Bode George, a prominent member of the Board of Trustees of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has refuted allegations that his lack of support for former Vice President Atiku Abubakar’s presidential bid in the 2023 election was due to regional considerations. George, who recently declined his appointment to the PDP National Disciplinary Committee, addressed these claims during a TVC political program broadcast on Sunday evening.
The former National Vice Chairman of the PDP challenged assertions from Atiku Abubakar’s camp, clarifying that his decision not to support Abubakar stemmed from what he perceived as actions that fractured the party during the election campaign, rather than any regional bias. George stated, “When Atiku Abubakar ran against Buhari, I was actively involved in his campaign. I supported him vigorously because, at that time, he was the favored presidential candidate. My contributions in Lagos, my efforts for the first lady, his first wife, and our work here were all aligned with the party’s principles.”
He continued, “I want to make it clear that I am not driven by tribalism. In fact, my closest friend is a Fulani man whom I met during my military service. He is like a brother to me, and I have many friends from various regions across this country. If you are not honest with those in power, then you are only deceiving yourself.”
George also addressed the rationale behind his stance in the recent elections, noting, “When we approached the second election, it was clear that something was amiss. How could we support another candidate from the North after a Northern leader had just spent eight years in office? This approach does not make sense. They manipulated the system, despite our warnings. This division within the party led to a fragmentation of our votes and ultimately, our loss.”
To address these issues, George suggested the establishment of a committee to review both the general election and the subsequent period to better prepare the party for future elections. He emphasized the need for reflection and reform within the party.
Furthermore, Bode George urged disgruntled party members to prioritize the collective interests of the PDP over personal ambitions. He stressed that unity and a focus on the party’s survival are crucial as they prepare for the 2027 elections.
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