Chief Olabode George, former Deputy National Chairman of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), has painted a grim picture of Nigeria’s political landscape, attributing the country’s persistent crises to tribalism, religious bigotry, and a deeply flawed democratic system.
In a scathing interview, George warned that Nigeria’s democratic experiment is on the verge of collapse unless the country undergoes real restructuring .
George lamented Nigeria’s wasted potential, citing the country’s vast natural and human resources.
“God gave us a massive land, rich in both natural and human resources. There is no part of this country that isn’t blessed. Yet, greed and self-interest continue to plague us,” he said.
The elder statesman accused Nigeria’s political elites of prioritizing personal gain over good governance, allowing corruption and inefficiency to fester.
He pointed to Ghana as a shining example of democratic excellence, where the sitting president conceded defeat before the final election results were announced.
George identified tribalism and religious bigotry as major obstacles to national unity and good governance.
“People make a big deal out of religious differences… But what does that have to do with how we treat one another?” he asked.
He shared personal experiences of religious tolerance, highlighting the need for Nigerians to look beyond religious labels.
George’s criticism of Nigeria’s political structure was unsparing. “The current system is fundamentally flawed… The current constitution is the root of our problems. Every month, states go to Abuja to collect their share of national revenue instead of generating their own. That’s not democracy; it’s a unitary system disguised as federalism,” he asserted.
To address these challenges, George advocated for a return to the six-zone structure proposed by former Vice President Alex Ekwueme, which he believes provides a more equitable distribution of power.
With Nigeria’s democracy hanging in the balance, George’s warnings serve as a stark reminder of the need for urgent reforms.
