A chieftain of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Bode George, has expressed deep disappointment over reports that some PDP governors are decamping to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), describing the act as a betrayal of the platform that gave them political relevance.
Speaking during an interview with ARISE NEWS on Tuesday, George did not mince words as he condemned what he called the “rudderless” actions of the governors who are abandoning the very party that backed their rise to office.
“We are running a system here that is very despicable, very disheartening,” he said. “A platform that gave you all the necessary tools, the opportunity to represent your constituency—now, halfway into your tenure, you’re jumping ship? I’m very disappointed with these governors. Very disappointed.”
During the interview, George also recalled his experience under former President Yar’Adua, where he led a delegation to South Africa to mediate a political crisis and learned first-hand how differently political systems can function. He pointed out that in South Africa, parties—not individuals—contest elections, giving true meaning to party supremacy. “That is why, there, when you say the party is supreme, the party is supreme.”
He questioned the integrity of governors who campaigned under the PDP’s vision and programmes, only to consider switching allegiances mid-term. “The electorate in their states supported them because of the programmes of the party. Now you want to go back? What is it that they [the APC] have presented?” he queried, highlighting the lack of structure within the ruling party.
George’s comments come in the wake of reports that three to four PDP governors are preparing to defect to the APC to support President Bola Tinubu’s second-term bid. Governors like Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom have already publicly declared support, while others, including Delta’s Sheriff Oborevwori, Enugu’s Peter Mbah, and Rivers’ suspended Governor Sim Fubara, are reportedly weighing their options without officially decamping.
With the 2027 elections drawing closer and opposition coalition talks heating up, George’s remarks underscore the deepening cracks within the PDP and a growing frustration among party elders over what they see as opportunistic politics.
“24 hours in politics is a long time,” George warned. “Who knows what will happen?”
