A chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Bode George, has criticized former Vice President Atiku Abubakar for visiting ex-President Muhammadu Buhari at his Kaduna residence. George made his remarks during an interview on Arise Television’s ‘Morning Show’ on Tuesday, describing the visit as confusing and potentially damaging to the unity of the PDP.
Atiku’s visit, which included other political figures such as former Kaduna State Governor Nasir el-Rufai and former Sokoto State Governor Aminu Tambuwal, was widely seen as part of a wider plan to build a coalition that could challenge President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 general elections. However, George believes the move could tear the PDP apart rather than strengthen the opposition.
“Those who are now forming mega party, what is the purpose of that mega party? You’re a member of a solid organization, you want to pull out. You are meeting with Baba Buhari, Is he a member of our party? Have you discussed your mega something with anybody else?” George asked.
He questioned why Atiku would approach Buhari, who was once his political rival, instead of working within the PDP to achieve his goals. According to George, decisions of such scale should involve broad consultation within the party, not private discussions or personal campaigns.
He noted, “Do you think [PDP] is a private fiefdom? Is PDP a private company? Nobody owns PDP. You bring it within the party. Let us discuss it. Once it is approved, then you move.”
Referring to Buhari’s previous defeat of Atiku in a presidential race, George said, “Look at General Buhari shaking hands with these guys. Is he a member of our party? We presented you against him, and he flopped you like a little kid, and then you ran there.”
George also pointed out the regional imbalance of those involved in the visit, saying most were from the northern part of the country. He questioned whether this was a step toward creating a north-south divide, stating, “What is this man trying to do with this mega party? Is he trying to divide Nigeria from the north and then the south?”
