The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) is currently grappling with what chieftain and former Deputy National Chairman, Chief Bode George, describes as a “self-inflicted” crisis, yet he insists the party’s crucial National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting will proceed as planned. Speaking to ARISE News, George acknowledged the PDP's disarray but firmly dismissed notions of irreparable damage, asserting that the challenges stem from internal decisions and individual ambitions rather than fundamental structural flaws. He reflected on the party's history, stating, “I have been in this party since 1998. We have had crisis. There is no political organisation or any organisation, whether political or otherwise, that will not have crisis. And this is self-inflicted crisis. That’s what I’m saying. The people put their interest before the corporate interest of the party.”

Despite the prevailing tensions, Chief George reiterated his plea for party members to reconcile their differences, emphasizing that the NEC meeting scheduled for Monday, June 30, 2025, is crucial for resolving the ongoing issues. There has been confusion surrounding this 100th NEC meeting, with the National Working Committee (NWC) denying reports of postponement and rejecting claims about Senator Samuel Anyanwu’s reinstatement as National Secretary. George highlighted differing interpretations of electoral acts and INEC regulatory guidelines regarding meeting notices, noting, “The chairman said there will be no NEC meeting and stated there will be caucus meeting. Because according to him, you needed 21 days notice to the INEC. Now, the other members of the working committee said it was a postponement of NEC to the 30th of June.” He stressed that the ability of an organization to address uncomfortable truths internally is a true measure of its competence and maturity, viewing the current situation not as a breaking point, but as a deep lesson.

Chief George expressed significant disappointment that some party members are focusing on what he termed “lightweight” issues instead of prioritizing the restoration of internal order and discipline. He was particularly direct in his critique of FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, emphatically rejecting any suggestion that Wike “owns” the PDP. While acknowledging Wike's past contributions, George condemned his recent actions, particularly his public support for President Bola Tinubu, as fundamentally inconsistent with PDP values. He stated that Wike joined the party like any other member and decisive actions would be taken against those who have committed a ‘hara-kiri’ by working against the party's interests.

Despite the infighting and growing discontent, Chief George maintains an unshakeable belief in the PDP's resilience. He adamantly asserts that the PDP remains the only truly national political party in Nigeria, possessing the structure and nationwide reach necessary for a comprehensive revival. “The only local political party in this country is PDP. No matter, anybody who wants to move off like a rolling stone, they can go. Leave those who are remaining, and we will bring this party back up,” he concluded, confident in the party’s capacity to overcome its challenges and re-establish its standing.