
Chief Olabode Ibiyinka George, a former Deputy National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and a life member of the party’s Board of Trustees (BoT), has issued a stern warning over the internal crisis rocking the PDP, describing recent events as “despicable, horrific, and inhuman.” Speaking at a press conference in Lagos on Friday, George condemned the invasion of the party’s national secretariat in Abuja by thugs during the 79th BoT meeting on Wednesday, calling it a “national shame” and a “desecration” of the party’s sanctity.
George, who also serves as the Atona Oodua of Yorubaland, expressed deep concern over the actions of “disloyal individuals” within the PDP, accusing them of undermining the party’s values and legacy. He urged the party leadership to take decisive action against those responsible, stating, “Nobody is too big to be disciplined or expelled. Only patriotic members are indispensable.”
The PDP elder lamented that the party, once a symbol of civility and unity since its formation in 1998 by leaders like Chief Solomon Lar and Dr. Alex Ekwueme, is now “dancing on the graves of its founding fathers.” He called for an immediate peace meeting between the warring factions, warning that failure to resolve the crisis could spell disaster for the PDP ahead of the 2027 elections.
*Global Political Shifts and Nigeria’s Future*
Shifting focus to global politics, George drew parallels between the rise of former U.S. President Donald Trump, who was inaugurated for a second term on January 20, 2025, and the historical actions of Adolf Hitler. He warned that Trump’s “new world order” could lead to global instability, citing the renaming of the Gulf of Mexico as the “Gulf of America” and the deportation of migrants as signs of aggressive U.S. isolationism.
George questioned whether world leaders would stand up to Trump’s policies, which he said threaten multilateral institutions like the Paris Agreement on Climate Change and the World Health Organization (WHO). “Is Trump trying to create a crisis that will destroy the world?” he asked, urging global leaders to hold the U.S. president accountable.
*Criticism of Tinubu’s Administration*
Back home, George criticized the economic policies of President Bola Tinubu’s administration, stating that Nigerians are “hungry and angry” due to rising inflation and the devaluation of the naira. He highlighted the sharp increase in fuel prices and the exchange rate, noting that a litre of petrol, which cost less than N200 in 2023, has skyrocketed, while the naira has weakened significantly against the dollar.
“President Tinubu must pause and reflect: are Nigerians benefiting from his policies?” George asked, urging the government to address the economic malaise before the 2027 election cycle begins.
*Call for National Unity*
George concluded with a call for national unity, warning that Nigeria must remain stable amidst political instability in Francophone countries and the global shifts triggered by Trump’s policies. “A stitch in time saves nine,” he said, urging Nigerians to engage in meaningful discussions about the country’s future.
As the PDP elder marked his 80th year, he expressed hope for a better Nigeria, saying, “It shall be well with all of us. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”
The press conference ended with a somber reminder of the challenges facing both the PDP and Nigeria, as the nation navigates internal strife and external pressures in an increasingly uncertain world.