Former Deputy National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Olabode George, has called on President Bola Tinubu to caution the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, to prevent further political instability and protect Nigeria’s democracy.
Speaking at a media briefing on Tuesday at his Ikoyi, Lagos office, George described the nation as “wobbling politically” due to unchecked abuse of power.
The elder statesman was reacting to the November 18 disruption at the PDP national headquarters in Abuja, when rival factions clashed. Supporters of the Wike-backed faction and the newly elected National Working Committee (NWC), led by Kabiru Turaki, both held meetings at the Wadata Plaza secretariat on the same day.
Police deployed tear gas to restore order, eventually sealing the party’s headquarters.
George questioned why the secretariat was shut without approval from the PDP national chairman, Turaki, describing the action as a “grave warning” to the nation.
He said, “Repeated violations of due process and unchecked abuses of power undermine public confidence and threaten national cohesion. Nigeria stands at a crossroads. If not halted, it could plunge the nation into deeper political crisis.”
He also urged Wike to exercise caution, reminding him that he rose politically through the PDP.
“Power is temporary; reputation is permanent. Do not allow yourself to be used as an instrument to destabilise the Republic,” George warned.
The PDP chieftain further stressed that the recent disruption, reportedly encouraged by a serving Federal Minister, was unlawful and posed a threat to multi-party democracy.
He called on President Tinubu to act, noting that silence in such circumstances could be interpreted as tacit approval of illegal actions.
“Those in charge of the polity have closed their ears to reasoning, engaging in actions capable of disintegrating the country. Nigeria is dangerously teetering on a path of self-destruction,” George added.
As a life member of the PDP Board of Trustees, he reaffirmed that anyone wishing to leave the party is free to do so, but deliberate provocations and disregard for party rules must not continue.
