As political tensions rise ahead of the 2027 general elections, Chief Olabode George, former Deputy National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and former military governor of old Ondo State, has issued a stern warning to President Bola Tinubu.
Speaking at a press conference in Lagos on Friday, George urged the President to implement the recommendations of the 2014 National Conference to address Nigeria’s systemic challenges and ensure a better future for the nation. He cautioned that failure to act could lead to Tinubu being “kicked out” of Aso Rock, predicting a loss in his bid for a second term.
George emphasized the significance of the 2014 National Conference, convened under former President Goodluck Jonathan, which produced a comprehensive report aimed at restructuring Nigeria for greater equity and progress. He highlighted the pivotal roles played by elder statesmen Chief Ayo Adebanjo and Senator Edwin Clark, who brought their wealth of experience to the conference debates. According to George, their contributions addressed critical issues, particularly the defects in the 1999 Constitution, which he described as a major obstacle to Nigeria’s progress.
“Chief Adebanjo and Senator Clark fought for a better Nigeria. They filled the gap between the younger and older generations, pinpointing where Nigeria got it wrong,” George said. He stressed that the recommendations from the conference are vital for creating a “new Nigeria” and urged Tinubu to release and implement the report in honor of the two elder statesmen. “Nigerians deserve to have the report of the 2014 conference. God used these men to impact us. Let the report be released in their memory, and only then will Nigeria find peace,” he added.
George argued that the report’s recommendations could “liberate” Nigeria, drawing a comparison to the country’s historical role in supporting liberation movements in other nations. “If Nigeria could liberate other countries, why can’t we liberate ourselves?” he asked rhetorically, underscoring the urgency of adopting the conference’s solutions to address constitutional, political, and socio-economic challenges.
Shifting focus to the internal crisis within the PDP, George addressed speculations about the party’s potential collapse. He announced that the PDP’s National Executive Committee (NEC) will convene on May 27, 2025, to tackle the party’s challenges and resolve ongoing disputes. Dismissing claims that the PDP is faltering, George asserted that the party remains strong and built on a solid foundation. “The PDP can never go under as speculated in some quarters. Those who want to bring the party to disrepute should shield their swords and shut up,” he declared.
He further stated that the NEC meeting will include all surviving party elders and will focus on upholding the PDP’s constitution. “No organization is without crisis, but what matters is the ability to resolve differences. We will tell ourselves some home truths—enough is enough. You are either inside or outside,” George said, signaling a firm stance against internal dissent and a call for unity ahead of the 2027 elections.
On the issue of Nigeria’s worsening security situation, characterized by rampant kidnapping, banditry, and other forms of insecurity, George called on President Tinubu to take bold and decisive steps to address these challenges. He emphasized the need for urgent action to restore safety and stability across the country, warning that insecurity remains a significant threat to Nigeria’s progress.
George’s remarks reflect a deep concern for Nigeria’s future, combining a call for constitutional reform through the 2014 National Conference report with a plea for political unity within the PDP and decisive action on insecurity. As the 2027 elections approach, his advice to President Tinubu underscores the stakes for the administration and the nation at large.
