A prominent chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Bode George, has expressed shock over the decision by Peter Obi, the 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, and Atiku Abubakar, former Vice President, to form a political coalition ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Speaking during an interview on Channels Television on Thursday, George criticised the move, describing the African Democratic Congress (ADC) — the party reportedly adopted by the coalition — as “a sinking ship.”
He accused Atiku and other PDP defectors of deliberately fuelling the crisis currently rocking the main opposition party, saying their actions were part of a long-running sabotage from within.
“Those who created the PDP crisis are the ones leaving,” George stated. “We are holding our National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting in the coming week. When we meet, we will discuss the programme of the party and approve all the committees that are going to handle our convention.”
Despite the recent defections, the PDP stalwart insisted that the party remains strong and capable of rebounding ahead of the next general election.
“The fact that we are in a position to hold that meeting shows you that the Iroko tree has been resurrected,” he said, using the metaphor to portray the PDP’s revival.
Reacting to the coalition spearheaded by Atiku and Obi, George expressed deep disappointment: “I am shocked that Obi, Atiku, and others are jumping into a ship that is already sinking. It’s baffling.”
His comments come just 24 hours after Atiku formally announced his resignation from the PDP, citing unresolved internal conflicts.
The former vice president also hinted at the formation of a “national rescue alliance” under the ADC, a move interpreted as a strategic realignment ahead of the 2027 polls.
Although Peter Obi has yet to officially declare his defection from the Labour Party, recent moves suggest he is aligning with Atiku and other opposition figures in what could emerge as a broad coalition against the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
The unfolding political developments mark a new chapter in Nigeria’s opposition politics, with analysts closely watching the potential impact of the Atiku-Obi coalition on the electoral landscape ahead of 2027.
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