Chief Bode George, a founding father of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has expressed deep sorrow over the defection of key party stalwarts, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and ex-Senate President David Mark, to the newly embraced African Democratic Congress (ADC).
Though Atiku has yet to officially announce his defection, he has been a central figure in the coalition of opposition figures that recently adopted the ADC as their platform for the 2027 general elections, following ongoing crises within the PDP.
David Mark, now interim national chairman of the coalition, has formally resigned from the PDP, citing unresolved internal issues. Other influential PDP figures, such as former Cross River Governor Liyel Imoke and former Imo Governor Emeka Ihedioha, have also aligned with the ADC.
Reacting during an interview on Channels Television on Friday, Bode George lamented the defections, describing the situation as heartbreaking.
He referred to the PDP as Nigeria’s “political Iroko tree” and faulted the defectors—whom he accused of contributing to the party’s woes.
“I feel really very heartbroken, I feel really very sad, because the real political Iroko tree…yes, we have a crisis, meanwhile, they are part and parcel of the crisis. The most important thing is that the Nigerian electorate will decide, and I warned them to calm down, do an assessment. Is it because the PDP has collapsed, or is it because of personal aggrandizement or personal ambition or self-conceitedness? What is driving them to this other party?”
George insisted the PDP still has the capacity to recover, resolve internal conflicts, and remain a united force.
“We have crisis, yes, but I am happy to report to Nigerians that the ability of the PDP to come together, to debate to discuss and analyse the crisis and to come to a conclusion that we will remain united. And the second day, we had the meeting they opted out. As a retired-general, I have been thinking about what could be the reason behind this, my conclusion is very simple, it is nothing but existential imbecility.”
He also dismissed suggestions that the ADC could effectively replace the PDP as the leading opposition party, saying it lacks the tactical depth and institutional strength to challenge the ruling party.
