Bode George: Why I may not vote for Atiku in 2023

Bode George, chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), says he will not vote for Atiku Abubakar, the party’s presidential candidate, unless the national chairmanship is zoned to the south-west. 

George spoke during an interview with Arise News TV on Tuesday.

The PDP chieftain has been one of the loudest voices calling for the resignation of Iyorchia Ayu as the party’s national chairman.

The call for Ayu’s resignation is based on the grounds that the PDP presidential candidate and national chairman cannot be from the same region — an issue that has deepened the crisis in the party.

Speaking on the matter, George said PDP’s internal wrangling can be solved by giving “to Caesar what belongs to Caesar”.

He added that the south-west has not held the position of national chairman since the party was founded and it must be corrected before the 2023 elections.

“It is not a solution that cannot be handled. All we are saying is give what belongs to Caesar what belongs to Caesar. Give us what belongs to us. Turn by turn Nigeria limited,” he said.

“Take for example, what I am angry about is, the first chairman was the late Solomon Lar from north-central. The second chairman, north-central. The third chairman, Audu Ogbe, was from north-central. The fourth chairman, Amadu Ali, from north-central; Kawu Baraje, from Kwara, was also north-central. Now you have Ayu, also north-central.

“The south-west has never enjoyed this position since the party started almost 25 years ago. What is our crime? If you are telling us you want to rule this country, you have to weave all the tribes and all the people together.

“That is the major problem, and unless that is resolved, I will not vote for our own candidate.”