Amidst ongoing defections from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and rising concerns over the future of Nigeria’s political landscape, elder statesman and former Deputy National Chairman of the PDP, Chief Olabode George, has expressed firm belief that Nigeria will not degenerate into a one-party state. Speaking in an exclusive interview, the PDP chieftain insisted that Nigerians are far too politically aware and discerning to permit such a scenario, regardless of the current wave of political realignments ahead of the 2027 general elections.
George, while addressing the turbulence within the opposition party, dismissed fears that the defections—particularly of serving governors and high-profile leaders to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC)—signal the demise of multiparty democracy in Nigeria. According to him, the people are watching and will eventually hold politicians accountable for their choices.
He posed rhetorical questions to Nigerians: “All those clamouring for the President’s return in 2027, what exactly do they want him to come and do again? What is the state of the economy? What policies has he introduced to uplift the lives of ordinary citizens? Insecurity, kidnapping, and killings are still rampant—what meaningful progress has been made?”
He questioned the rationale behind the movement of politicians from an established and structured party like the PDP to a party he described as lacking such foundational structures. He argued that such decisions were not rooted in ideology or service to the people but often in personal interests and political godfatherism. He cited the recent defection of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, attributing it to the influence of former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, whom he described as Oborevwori’s political mentor.
Chief George referenced the South African political model, where party supremacy plays a pivotal role, saying, “There, the party is supreme. Once elected on the party’s platform, your continued stay in office is subject to the party’s confidence in you, even at the highest level. That’s the kind of discipline we need.”
Reacting to the idea of Nigeria heading toward a one-party structure, George strongly dismissed the notion. “This country cannot function as a one-party state. Nigerians are too clever to allow it. This is not a military regime, and our constitution is clear—no tribe or individual can permanently hold on to power. Leadership is transitional, not eternal,” he asserted.
He added that the uniqueness of Nigeria’s diversity, being multi-ethnic and multi-religious, makes the one-party idea unrealistic and unsustainable.
As one of the founding fathers of the PDP, George stated that the upcoming National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting of the party will be critical in determining its direction. He believes the meeting will reveal who among the party’s members are true democrats committed to its founding ideals and who are not.
“We will not dishonour the legacies of those who founded this party. The NEC will tell us where we stand—whether we are ready to rebuild or surrender. But I believe the PDP still has a role to play in Nigeria’s democracy,” he said.
Touching on the regional tensions allegedly arising from the build-up to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s speculated second-term ambition, George downplayed the notion of a North/South power struggle, describing it as a distraction from the core issues facing the nation.
“Anyone proposing a mega political alliance without due consideration for Southern leaders is unserious. Nigeria is not a North versus South entity—it’s one united country where every citizen matters. Nothing is permanent in politics. As elders, we must uphold truth and justice, regardless of who is in power,” he maintained.
With a tone of caution and resolve, Chief Bode George reiterated his commitment to democratic principles, warning that Nigeria’s political future must not be dictated by selfish interests or manipulated alliances, but by the will of the people and adherence to democratic norms.
