PDP to Bode George: History is moving forward, remain behind if you wish

By Luminous Jannamike

ABUJA — The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, on Thursday told former Deputy National Chairman, Chief Bode George, to accept that ‘history is moving forward’ and remain behind if he could not embrace the party’s new direction, escalating the war of words over his recent television interview.

The latest exchange highlights the deepening divisions within the opposition party as its current leadership digs in over its legitimacy, internal reforms and preparations for the 2027 general elections amid lingering legal and political disputes.

PDP National Publicity Secretary, Jungudo Haruna Mohammed, dismissed George’s criticism as the frustration of an expelled former member and defended the leadership of the party’s National Chairman, Abdulrahman Mohammed.

He insisted that the recognition of the party’s leadership by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, flowed directly from subsisting court judgments.

“History is moving forward. The PDP is moving forward. Those unwilling to embrace that reality are free to remain behind,” the party declared.

The PDP maintained that the courts had consistently affirmed its position, saying the legal status of its leadership was no longer a matter of political opinion.

“The courts, from the trial courts to the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court, have spoken clearly and consistently on the issues affecting the party. Those judgments remain valid, binding and enforceable,” Jungudo said.

The party also defended Abdulrahman Mohammed and members of the National Working Committee, saying they had demonstrated transparent, inclusive and democratic leadership despite inheriting political and legal challenges.

It added that the conduct of its primary elections ranked among the smoothest in recent years and had opened the political space for thousands of members ahead of the 2027 polls.

Turning to George’s television appearance, the PDP accused the elder statesman of abandoning restraint in favour of personal attacks and inflammatory remarks.

“His repeated resort to abusive language speaks more about his disposition than it does about the leadership or affairs of the Peoples Democratic Party,” the PDP spokesman added.

The party further accused George of resisting generational renewal, arguing that strong political institutions endure by creating opportunities for younger leaders rather than allowing a privileged few to dominate the party indefinitely.

While acknowledging the right of George and others to pursue further legal remedies, the PDP said it was equally prepared to defend its mandate and decisions through every lawful process until all pending cases were concluded.

Jungudo also questioned George’s moral authority, recalling his widely publicised pledge to leave Nigeria if President Bola Tinubu won the 2023 presidential election and arguing that his failure to fulfil that promise weakened the credibility of his latest criticisms.

The PDP further reminded George that a court order awarding N10 million in costs against him and his co-plaintiffs remained valid and enforceable, adding that compliance was a legal obligation.

“History is moving forward. The PDP is moving forward. Those unwilling to embrace that reality are free to remain behind,” the party added.

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