A former Deputy National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Bode George, on Wednesday, submitted that an attempt to put personal interest over party interest is responsible for the crisis facing the party.
Speaking in Lagos during an interactive session with journalists, he said manipulation of the party apparatus by the individual who felt his personal ambition to become the President of Nigeria was more important than the collective interest of the party is the origin of the crisis in the PDP.
George also faulted the management of party affairs by a former National Chairman, Iyorchia Ayu.
Despite the challenges, the PDP chieftain expressed confidence that the party will overcome its current internal challenges before the 2027 general elections.
He also declared support for the principle of rotation between the North and the South.
He stated: “I call our party the Iroko because it didn’t emerge from nowhere. It is entrenched in our constitution. Section 7 (3c) of the PDP constitution mandates zoning and rotation of party positions and elective offices.
“Everything that has been in the South must go to the North, and vice versa. This principle of justice, equity, and fairness is what inspired some of us to join politics. We were the first to be elected in 1999 and were handed procedures and doctrines to ensure stability.
“Unfortunately, human manipulation crept in when someone decided their ambition to be president was more important than the party’s collective interest. That’s where the issues started. We need to return to the principles handed over to us to restore stability.”