As Nigeria prepares for the 2027 general elections, former Deputy National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Olabode George, has declared that the opposition party will regain strength. He said the PDP is ready to challenge President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
George made this statement on Tuesday during the inauguration of the Lagos State PDP Elders and Leaders Screening Committee. The event took place at the party’s secretariat in Ikeja.
He assured Nigerians that the PDP would rise again. Those who believed the party had collapsed, he noted, would be disappointed. According to him, the PDP is undergoing a reorganisation to prepare for a strong political comeback in 2027.
The newly inaugurated committee is led by Dr. Remi Akitoye, with Reverend John Danzu as secretary. Other members include Senator Kofoworola Bucknor-Akerele, Chief (Mrs) Onikepo Oshodi, Chief (Mrs) Aduke Maina, Elder John Agbaje, and Dr. Niran Adeniji.
George explained that the committee’s key role is to screen candidates for executive positions in Lagos PDP. He said the party must choose leaders who are credible, committed, and grounded in party affairs.
“This is a critical assignment. The national leadership directed us to screen candidates from ward to state level. Our aim is to stabilise Lagos PDP before we move to national matters,” he said.
He emphasized the importance of restoring discipline, loyalty, and integrity to party leadership. According to him, only serious-minded individuals should lead the party at any level.
“We’re bringing back civility and loyalty. Anyone seeking leadership must show real commitment to the party’s values before carrying its burden,” George added.
He also stated that this process marks an end to internal disorder. The PDP, he said, is returning to its core mission—serving the people and fighting for their welfare.
“There is hunger and frustration in the land. We must alert President Tinubu that things are not okay. We will reorganise PDP to offer Nigerians a better choice in 2027.”
George also blamed internal betrayal and greed for the party’s previous struggles. He noted that some members abandoned the party because of personal interests.
He recalled that during the last National Executive Council (NEC) meeting, the party resolved to elect leaders who care about Nigerians’ needs.
“Greed pushed many to leave the party. We must speak to Nigerians with honesty. We have the experience and the knowledge. We’ve learned from past mistakes and are now ready to move the country forward,” he said.
After taking the oath of office, Dr. Akitoye promised that the committee would handle its task with dedication and fairness. He described the assignment as the first step in the PDP’s rebirth.
Dr. Akitoye also said the success of the Lagos screening process would encourage other states to follow.
