Reported by: Althiea .P | Edited by: Bornet .k
Former Deputy National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Olabode George, has reaffirmed his loyalty to the opposition party, declaring that he will not leave the PDP despite the internal challenges and political pressures confronting the organisation.
George, a founding figure and prominent member of the PDP’s Board of Trustees, said his commitment to the party remained unshaken, stressing that political difficulties were temporary and should not force loyal members to abandon an organisation they helped build.
The PDP chieftain made the declaration as the party continues to face internal disagreements, leadership disputes and the movement of some high-profile politicians to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Speaking on the future of the PDP, George dismissed suggestions that recent defections represented the collapse of the party, arguing that political movements and realignments were common features of Nigeria’s democratic system.
He maintained that the PDP had survived difficult periods in the past and would overcome its current challenges through unity, restructuring and commitment from its members.
The former military governor of Ondo State said he remained dedicated to the PDP because of its history, structure and role in Nigeria’s democratic development since its formation in 1998.
George’s comments come amid growing concerns over the strength of the PDP following the defection of several political figures to the APC, including former governors and other influential stakeholders. However, he argued that defections alone do not determine the future of a political party.
In April 2025, George had similarly dismissed concerns that the movement of some PDP members to the APC posed an existential threat to the opposition party, describing defections as part of Nigeria’s political tradition rather than evidence of a party collapse.
He argued that many politicians who leave parties for political advantages often face new challenges in their adopted parties because they must compete with existing members for influence and opportunities.
The PDP leader has repeatedly called for internal discipline, fairness and respect for party structures as solutions to the challenges affecting the opposition party.
George has also criticised what he described as external interference in PDP affairs, particularly issues involving legal battles and party conventions. In November 2025, he criticised a Federal High Court decision that halted preparations for a PDP national convention, warning that political disputes should not undermine democratic stability.
The PDP, which governed Nigeria from 1999 to 2015, has struggled to regain national power since losing the presidency to the APC in the 2015 election. The party suffered further setbacks after the 2023 general elections, where internal disagreements contributed to divisions among party stakeholders.
Despite these difficulties, George has remained one of the party’s strongest voices, urging members to remain focused on rebuilding the organisation ahead of future elections.
Political analysts say the loyalty of experienced party figures such as George could play an important role in efforts to stabilise the PDP, especially as Nigeria’s major political parties prepare for another election cycle.
The party is expected to continue reconciliation efforts among its members as it seeks to resolve internal disagreements and strengthen its national structure before the 2027 polls.
George’s latest declaration reinforces his long-standing position that political commitment should not be based solely on immediate success or failure, but on shared values and belief in the party’s future.
As competition between Nigeria’s major political parties intensifies, the PDP faces the challenge of maintaining unity, attracting new supporters and convincing Nigerians that it remains capable of providing effective leadership.
For George, however, leaving the party is not an option, as he insists that loyalty and perseverance remain necessary for rebuilding the PDP into a stronger political force.
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