PDP is finished if Atiku gets 2027 ticket – Bode George

Speaking at an interview yesterday, the elder statesman stated, “If Atiku clinches the PDP ticket again, especially through manipulation as seen previously, that will spell the end of this party. We will not accept it.”

Atiku, who was PDP’s presidential candidate in the 2023 elections, lost to the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Bola Tinubu.

Over the past three decades, he has made six presidential bids under different political platforms.

Recently, Atiku spearheaded the formation of an opposition coalition on March 20, 2025, alongside Labour Party’s Peter Obi, former Kaduna governor Nasir El-Rufai, and others.

The alliance aims to challenge President Tinubu’s administration, which has been criticized for economic mismanagement, rising inflation, and a soaring cost of living.

This coalition hinges on the combined voter base of Atiku and Obi from the 2023 elections, which totalled over 12 million votes—significantly more than Tinubu’s tally, according to INEC.

However, in a surprising move, PDP governors rejected the coalition on April 14, 2025, and ruled out any plans for mergers or alliances, distancing the party from Atiku’s efforts.

Bode George lauded the governors for their decision, saying it showed clear thinking and alignment with party principles. He further criticized Atiku for failing to provide leadership within the party during times of internal conflict.

“If he were truly the leader of the party, he would have intervened in our crises. Being a former candidate doesn’t automatically make him the party’s core leader,” George said. “If he’s pursuing personal ambition, that’s separate from the PDP’s interests.”

When asked about the possibility of Atiku becoming the PDP flag bearer in 2027, George responded firmly, “He cannot be. Our party’s doctrine supports rotational presidency. After eight years of a northern presidency, it’s the south’s turn. Atiku is not from the South-West, South-South, or South-East.”

He cited Section 7, Sub-section 3C of the PDP constitution, which outlines the zoning principle as a guide for fairness and balance.

George added that he does not support Tinubu’s re-election either, and stressed his desire for the PDP to reclaim power in 2027 with a candidate from the South.