Bode George, a former Deputy National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has declared that Nigerians are eager to show President Bola Ahmed Tinubu the “exit door” in the upcoming 2027 presidential election due to the country’s ongoing economic struggles. His comments came as part of a statement issued to mark his 79th birthday in Lagos on Thursday. George’s remarks reflect growing frustration within the public as the current administration faces increasing scrutiny over its handling of the nation’s economy.
According to George, the key to unseating the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2027 lies in unity within the opposition PDP. He emphasized that for the party to be successful, its members must set aside their differences and focus on their shared goal of ousting the APC from power. “If we want to win the 2027 presidential election, we should not allow ourselves to be divided, and those with divisive tendencies should be told in clear language that ‘Enough is Enough’,” he asserted.
The PDP has been grappling with internal strife in recent years, which George attributes to the self-interest of certain members. He argued that these individuals are leading the party toward destruction by prioritizing personal ambitions over collective progress. “The crisis in the opposition party was a result of self-interest by some members,” he noted, further stressing the importance of putting the party’s unity above all else to succeed in the upcoming election.
George’s statements come amid widespread dissatisfaction with the current administration’s management of Nigeria’s economy, which has been marked by rising inflation, unemployment, and poverty. He pointed out that the economic mismanagement is contributing to the widespread disillusionment among Nigerians, who are looking to the opposition for an alternative. “With the suffering in the land and the mismanagement of the economy, Nigerians are waiting for us in 2027 to kick APC out of Aso Rock,” he added.
The former PDP leader’s words are echoed by other party members who have voiced similar frustrations with President Tinubu’s leadership. Segun Sowunmi, a prominent PDP figure and former spokesman for Atiku Abubakar, recently accused Tinubu of being the primary obstacle to the party’s success. Sowunmi’s criticism reflects a broader sense of discontent among party loyalists, who are dissatisfied with both the leadership of the ruling party and the ongoing internal conflicts within the opposition.
As the PDP struggles to find its footing, the party’s leadership crisis continues to be a major concern. This ongoing issue has prompted the PDP to focus on resolving internal divisions ahead of the 2027 election. The party is preparing for its 99th National Executive Committee meeting, which is scheduled for November 28, 2024. This meeting is expected to play a pivotal role in shaping the direction of the party moving forward.
The PDP’s path to recovery and success in the 2027 election will depend largely on its ability to overcome these internal challenges and present a unified front to the Nigerian electorate.
