Former PDP Deputy National Chair, Bode George, has disclosed that President Tinubu sent his Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, to beg him not to leave Nigeria, following George’s vow to relocate if Tinubu won the 2023 presidential election. This revelation sheds light on the political dynamics between the two figures.
Bode George, a prominent chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and former deputy national chair, has revealed that President Bola Tinubu sent his Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, to persuade him not to leave Nigeria following Tinubu’s presidential victory.
In a recent interview on Arise TV, George recounted his previous vow to leave the country if Tinubu became president, citing deep concerns over Tinubu’s leadership capacity. “If by whatever chance he gets to the villa, I won’t be part of this country,” George said back in January 2022. His strong words had resonated across political circles, prompting Tinubu to take swift action.
According to Bode George, Tinubu tasked Gbajabiamila, who George referred to as his “little brother from Lagos,” with the mission of appeasing him. The former lawmaker stated that the president’s camp knew they had “wronged” him and issued an apology, asking him to remain calm despite the electoral outcome.
PDP Crisis and Calls for Reconciliation
George’s comments also touched on the lingering internal crisis within the PDP, particularly the rift that emerged during the buildup to the 2023 presidential election. He called on key party figures, including Atiku Abubakar and Nyesom Wike, to put aside their differences and focus on rebuilding the party. George criticized former PDP chairman Iyorchia Ayu for breaking a promise to step down if a northern candidate emerged, which deepened divisions within the party.
Reflecting on meetings held ahead of the 2023 polls, Bode George expressed disappointment at the party’s disunity, urging party leaders to trace the roots of the crisis to the presidential convention. He emphasized the need for synergy and dialogue to restore the PDP’s strength and address the breach of trust that occurred.
George concluded by appealing to all factions within the PDP to prioritize party unity over personal ambitions, stressing that no organization is without challenges but must find a way to rebuild.
