‘Lagos is not Rivers’ - PDP tackles Wike over Bode George

The Lagos State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has publicly criticized the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, over his recent comments about Chief Olabode George, a former Deputy National Chairman of the party.

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On behalf of the Lagos State Chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), I write in response to your statement released on August 8 2026, through your spokesman, Mr. Lere Olayinka.

Wike, through his media aide, had stated he had no regrets blocking George's bid for the PDP national chairmanship and described George as having "no electoral value." The PDP's Lagos spokesperson, Dr. Christopher Odianarewo, responded by saying Wike's outburst "raises more questions than it answers" and "further exposes the depth of your obsession with Chief Olabode George."

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Quite frankly, your latest outburst raises more questions than it answers and further exposes the depth of your obsession with Chief Olabode George.

Odianarewo characterized Wike's statement as reflecting an "old political disagreement" rather than the focus expected of a Federal Minister. The spokesperson defended George's earlier aspiration for national leadership, stating he pursued it "openly, legitimately and within the provisions of the PDP constitution." The PDP countered Wike's claims by asserting George "demonstrated political maturity by stepping down his ambition" for party unity, implying Wike was not needed to teach him sacrifice.

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Your statement appears less like that of a Federal Minister focused on the responsibilities of his office and more like that of a man still preoccupied with an old political disagreement.

The party questioned Wike's authority, asking, "Who appointed you the owner of the PDP?" and "Who gave you the authority to determine which legitimate aspiration of a party member should live or die?" The PDP also highlighted a contradiction in Wike's statements, questioning why he would personally visit George's residence to "appease him" if George was truly politically irrelevant and without value. The Lagos PDP suggested Wike seek clarification on the party's electoral history since 2003 from those involved in national political developments.

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But unlike those who have elevated personal ambition above party unity and democratic principles, High Chief George demonstrated political maturity by stepping down his ambition when it became clear that doing so was necessary in the interest of fairness, party unity and stability.