Former National Deputy Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Bode George, has emphasized the importance of adhering to the party’s power rotation principle between the North and South to ensure victory in the 2027 elections. During a recent address titled “My Thoughts on The State of Our Country in the Last 25 Years: A Time to Chart A New Direction,” George stressed the need for the PDP to return to its foundational principles, citing the lessons learned from the party’s defeat in the 2023 elections.
Key Points:
- Power Rotation Principle: George highlighted that the PDP’s constitution, developed by its founding members including former Vice President Alex Ekwueme, explicitly mandates the adherence to zoning and rotation for both party positions and elective offices. He underscored that the party has suffered significantly due to deviations from this principle.
- Response to Atiku Abubakar: George’s remarks come in the context of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar’s recent statement about stepping aside in 2027 if the PDP supports Labour Party’s 2023 Presidential candidate, Peter Obi. George reiterated that sticking to the zoning agreement is crucial for the party’s coherence and success.
- Historical Context: George explained that the concept of power rotation was instituted to prevent the dominance of major tribes over minorities, a factor that has historically contributed to political instability and military coups in Nigeria. The founding fathers aimed to create a sense of belonging and equity across all six geo-political zones by rotating key leadership positions every eight years.
- Founding Vision: The PDP’s foundational vision involved sharing six top government positions—President, Vice President, Senate President, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, and Party Chairman—equally among the six geo-political zones. This rotation was intended to foster inclusivity and prevent marginalization.
- Call to Adherence: George called for strict adherence to these principles, emphasizing that any deviation would undermine the party’s unity and effectiveness. He stressed that the division and challenges faced by the PDP arose from neglecting these fundamental guidelines.
By advocating for a return to the party’s original zoning policy, Bode George aims to restore the PDP’s integrity and enhance its chances of winning the 2027 elections. His message is a call for the party to learn from past mistakes and uphold the principles of equity and justice that were intended to guide its operations and political strategy.
