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Former Deputy National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Bode George, has strongly criticized recent remarks made by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, in which Wike downplayed the PDP’s role in shaping his political career.
George described Wike’s comments as a “disgusting abomination.” The controversy stems from Wike’s reaction to George’s earlier statement that the PDP “made” him—a remark George made while responding to the Federal Capital Territory Administration’s (FCTA) sealing of the PDP National Secretariat over unpaid ground rent.
During a media parley on Monday, Wike had responded to George, saying:
“I read what he said. If an old man has no job, he should sit at home and read newspapers. Bode George said the PDP made me and gave me a national name. I agree. But a party cannot make you; it is the individual who makes the party popular to win elections. The party cannot say it is popular—it is individuals who make it so.
I agree that the PDP made me. But ask Bode George—whom has the PDP made in Lagos since 1999? Not one member of the House of Assembly, House of Reps, or Senate. And then you’re talking to me, someone who has campaigned and worked to make the party a major force at both the state and national levels.”
Reacting on Arise TV on Wednesday, George rebuked Wike’s comments, saying:
“For me, the comment from the young man—because he’s the same age as my first son—is a disgusting abomination. It is infradignitata for me to lower myself to respond to such remarks. Many respected Nigerians have advised me not to respond at all.
I don’t want to denigrate myself by engaging in a public spat. When young people blow their pipes, elders try to correct and advise them. If they don’t listen, so be it—time will tell. I am more concerned with the future of our party, rebuilding it, and convincing Nigerians that the PDP remains the best option for addressing the country’s challenges.”
George also urged Wike to reflect on the transient nature of power, quoting William Shakespeare’s Macbeth:
“Life’s but a walking shadow, a poor player that struts and frets his hour upon the stage and then is heard no more.”
He characterized Wike’s comments as both ungrateful and shortsighted, underscoring the role the PDP played in Wike’s political ascent, including his tenure as Governor of Rivers State.
“You now say it’s the individual who makes the difference. But my young man, look at the ballot papers—do you see individuals’ names on them, or party names?” George asked.
While emphasizing party unity and discipline, George clarified that he does not have the personal authority to expel Wike from the PDP:
“Our party is not like the APC, which is run by an individual. The PDP was founded on rules and collective leadership. No single person owns this party.”
