The Lagos State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, which is loyal to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has urged Chief Bode George to rejoin the “party’s mainstream leadership structure” in order to reposition it for the 2027 general elections.
Mr Hakeem Olalemi, the faction’s state organising secretary, made the request during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria in Lagos on Sunday.
According to NAN, George, a former PDP Deputy National Chairman, is associated with the National Working Committee led by Dr Kabiru Turaki and backed by Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde.
George has been a vocal opponent of Wike and his actions in relation to the PDP since the party’s leadership crisis began.
Olalemi, who spoke about the party’s current state and preparations for the state’s 2027 general elections, said George remained a respected leader and an important member of the PDP family despite ongoing internal disagreements.
According to him, George’s experience and contributions to the PDP make him an invaluable asset to the party.
Olalemi stated that in order to progress, the former party national officer must remain within the party’s mainstream leadership structure.
“Chief Bode George is always welcome in the PDP. We have great respect for him, and there is room for him within the party.
“Chief Bode George loves PDP. He cannot leave PDP. He is coming back to the mainstream to work for the party’s progress.
“He is our father. He is a foundation member; nobody can ask where he is coming from. We will welcome him back to the fold,” he said.
Olalemi stated that the PDP remains a unified family despite disagreements among some leaders and members.
He stated that reconciliation and inclusion were still part of the party’s enduring ethos and political legacy.
“The PDP is a family. If we use one hand to discipline a child, we use the other hand to bring him back.
“That is what has been keeping us together. There is room for everybody who believes in the progress of the party.
“We must forget the past. We want everyone on the other side to come back and be with us to build this party again,” Olalemi added.
The PDP chieftain stated that party leaders should gather around the “recognised Alhaji Abdurahman Mohammed-led National Working Committee” in preparation for 2027 and beyond.
He stated that all members and stakeholders should work together to strengthen the party.
The party chairman also rejected concerns over the rise of alternative opposition platforms in the state.
He labelled such political movements as weak and incapable of undermining the PDP’s authority.
Olalemi said, “There is no other opposition in Lagos except the PDP in Lagos.
“All those people that I call mushroom parties cannot match us in terms of experience, exposure and political structure.
“You should look at the pedigree of their governorship candidates. Who among them can be compared with our candidate in terms of experience and exposure?”
Olalemi stated that the party has begun to strengthen its structures throughout the state in preparation for 2027.
He stated that PDP members were mobilising support for the party at the ward, local government, and zonal levels.
“So, I am telling you now that PDP in Lagos State is more than ready to slug it out with APC in the 2027 general elections.
“We are ready to give them a fight in 2027. We are rejigging our machinery at the various local governments, wards and zones.
“PDP is everywhere in Lagos State. Most of the candidates in those opposition parties were originally PDP members,” he added.
Olalemi believes that lawmakers who left the PDP will eventually return due to the party’s strong structure and widespread presence.
“Those who have left will come back to the fold. All of them will return to PDP because they know where the structure is,” Olalemi said.
