A chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and member of its Board of Trustees, Bode George, has dismissed suggestions that the reinstatement of Samuel Anyanwu as the party’s National Secretary reflects the dominance of Nyesom Wike in the opposition party.
George, while speaking with Punch on Wednesday, maintained that the decision to recognise Anyanwu was made in the best interest of the party and not influenced by any single individual.
George, when asked if the move meant the PDP had surrendered to Wike, said, “Absolutely not!”
He further stated, “Let us meet at the NEC. When the NEC meets, that is when you will know who is winning and who is losing.”
George stressed that all outstanding issues regarding the position of the National Secretary will be resolved at the 100th National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting scheduled for June 30, 2025.
He stated, “Whatever decision is taken at NEC is final. The issue of Anyanwu returning as PDP National Secretary has a lot of connotations for reasons best known within the party. As an elder, I am pleading with both sides, especially those that are very angry. They should calm down. When we meet, we will settle our internal problems.”
Taking a veiled swipe at the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), the former PDP Deputy National Chairman stressed that no single person can hijack the PDP structure.
He said, “Our party is not like the APC, which is owned by an individual. We are begging all sides to give peace a chance. We will resolve this, but I must add that an individual cannot be bigger than this party.”
Using a Yoruba proverb to illustrate his point, George added, “There is a saying in Yoruba land that when you prostrate for a dwarf, you will still be taller than the dwarf when you get up.”
George urged all members of the party to stop interpreting developments as a win-or-lose situation, noting that the PDP must reposition itself ahead of the 2027 general elections.
He added, “There is nothing permanent in this life. Let us not attribute this event (return of Anyanwu) to a winner or a loser.
“Nigerians are looking forward to better governance in 2027, and we need to settle ourselves to make a presentation to the people.”