2027: Wike-backed Lagos PDP begs Bode George, others

The Lagos State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) loyal to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has appealed to Bode George to rejoin the “party’s mainstream leadership structure” in order to reposition it ahead of the 2027 general election.

The State Organising Secretary of the PDP faction, Hakeem Olalemimade, made the appeal in Lagos on Sunday, June 21, 2026.

George, a former PDP deputy national chairman of the party, is aligned with the Dr Kabiru Turaki-led National Working Committee, backed by Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde.

George has been a fierce critic of Wike and his actions on the PDP since the beginning of the leadership crisis in the party.

Olalemi, who spoke on the state of the party and preparations for the 2027 general election in Lagos State, said George remained a respected leader and an integral member of the PDP family despite ongoing disagreements within the party.

According to him, George’s experience and contributions to the PDP make him a vital asset to the party.

Olalemi said it was important for the former party national officer to remain within the party’s mainstream leadership structure for progress.

Olalemi said: “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.”

Olalemi said the PDP remained a united family despite differences among some leaders and members.

He said reconciliation and inclusion remained part of the party’s enduring culture and political tradition.

The secretary stated: “The PDP is a family. If we use one hand to discipline a child, we use the other hand to bring him back.

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“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.”

The PDP chieftain said party leaders should rally around the “recognised Alhaji Abdurahman Mohammed-led National Working Committee” ahead of 2027 and beyond.

He stated that all members and stakeholders should work together to strengthen the party.

The PDP chieftain, who also dismissed concerns over the emergence of alternative opposition platforms in Lagos, described such political movements as weak and incapable of threatening the party’s position.

Olalemi said: “There is no other opposition in Lagos except 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 further expressed confidence that politicians who had left the PDP would eventually return.

“Those who have left will come back to the fold. All of them will return to PDP because they know where the structure is,” he said.