PDP presidential campaign team member wants Olabode George expelled for meeting with G5

ONE leading member of Nigeria's main opposition the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has called for the immediate expulsion of former deputy chairman Chief Bode George for meeting up with the rebel faction known as the G5.

In late June, the PDP elected Alhaji Abubakar as its flagbearer for next year's presidential election at its annual convention. Governor Nyeson Wike of Rivers State was a candidate in that election but he was beaten into second place and to make matters worse for him, he was not then picked as the party's running mate.

With Alhaji Abubakar opting to pick Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta State as his running mate, Governor Wike and his supporters, made up primarily of four other governors, have  been on the war path. Governors Wike, Seyi Makinde  (Oyo), Samuel Ortom (Benue), Okezie Ikpeazu (Abia) and Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi (Enugu) now make up what is now known as the G5 Group of Governors and have boycotted Atiku's campaign so far.

One of the key demands of the G5 has been that PDP chairman Senator Iyorchia Ayu stands down, as he, like Alhaji Abubakar is from northern Nigeria and for the sake of unity, it was argued that a southerner should replace him. Despite several meetings between the Atiku and Wike camps to resolve the impasse, the matter has not been sorted out and Senator Ayu remains in office.

Last week, Chief George met with the G5 group of governors, prompting Adetokunbo Pearse, a members of the party's presidential campaign committee to call for his immediate expulsion.  Governor Wike, colleagues and other aggrieved stalwarts announced the formation of Integrity Group on Sunday, where they reiterated their demand that Senator Ayu should resign for a southerner to succeed him.

Mr Pearse said the expulsion of Chief George from the party would give PDP a fair chance of victory in Lagos in 2023. He noted that members, including the ward chairmen, insist Chief George leaves the party for it to survive and win the election.

“This is the voice of the people and these ward chairmen are the vehicle to the voices of our members. We are appealing to the party leadership to send a notice of expulsion of membership to Chief Olabode George,” Mr Pearse added.