Former Deputy National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Bode George, has categorically stated that the party will not field a Northern candidate for the 2027 presidential election, describing such a move as an insult to the party's founding fathers.
Speaking at a meeting organized by the Lagos State chapter of the PDP on Thursday to celebrate what was termed the party's restoration, George emphasized that the party must adhere to its zoning principles.
"There is no chance that our party will have somebody from the North in 2027. That would be insulting to the founding fathers of the party, many of whom have passed to the great beyond," George declared. "They (those going against the party's zoning policy) are perpetually dancing on their (the founding fathers) graves because they are being insulted."
The elder statesman, who previously served as military governor of Ondo State, referenced the late Alex Ekwueme's presidential bid within the party as an example of dignified conduct despite electoral disappointment.
"The late Alex Ekwueme contested for the presidential ticket of the PDP but did not win. However, that did not cause him to collapse the party. That is what you call a God-fearing gentleman," he noted.
Concerns Over Defections and Political Coercion
George also expressed deep concern over the wave of defections affecting the PDP, accusing President Bola Tinubu of pressuring PDP governors to join the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
"I can tell you confidently that Bola Tinubu and his group are coercing our governors to join the APC. However, the power does not belong to him. People of this country, please open your eyes," he warned.
The PDP chieftain dismissed those leaving the party to form coalitions as "rolling stones that gather no moss," predicting they would eventually return to the PDP after failing to achieve their objectives elsewhere.
"With all these people running around, a rolling stone gathers no moss. They tried it before, but they ran back. What they are doing is like disowning their father's house," George said. "Can you leave your father's house because it is leaking, and go and stay at a tenant's?"
His statements come amid increasing political realignments as parties begin positioning for the 2027 general elections, with the PDP seeking to reclaim its footing after consecutive presidential election defeats.
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