PDP Chieftain, Bode George
As the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) prepares for its ward and local government congresses in Lagos State ahead of the National Convention scheduled for November 15-16, 2025, in Ibadan, Oyo State, a brewing controversy threatens to destabilize the party’s unity.
A former PDP Deputy National Chairman, Chief Olabode George, has raised a red flag over alleged attempts by a party chieftain to manipulate the upcoming congresses, accusing the individual of undermining the democratic process.
The warning comes against the backdrop of the PDP’s struggle to recover from its poor performance in the 2023 general elections, which George attributes to internal greed and disloyalty.
The allegations highlight the potential for internal conflicts to disrupt the party’s efforts to rebuild and could lead to legal challenges, including court actions, that may further weaken its position in Lagos State.
In an open letter addressed to PDP National Chairman Amb. Umar Damagum and members of the National Working Committee (NWC) on Friday, George accused Deputy National Secretary Setonji Koshoedo of orchestrating a scheme to control the distribution of congress forms to hijack the process.
“It is deeply concerning that Koshoedo, who has not contributed financially or otherwise to the party’s activities in Lagos, has taken it upon himself to dictate the distribution of forms, disregarding the efforts of party leaders to foster consensus,” George stated.
He noted that Koshoedo’s actions have sparked tensions that could lead to “acrimony, mayhem, and disturbance of public peace,” potentially resulting in costly litigation.
George expressed dismay at the sidelining of Lagos PDP’s leadership, including two life-members of the Board of Trustees (BoT), in decisions about the congresses’ operational framework.
“This is unacceptable, insulting, and unjust. We will not tolerate such actions in our state again,” he declared, emphasizing the need for fairness and transparency.
He warned that allowing such manipulations to continue could plunge the party into further crisis, undoing efforts to stabilize it after the 2023 electoral setbacks, which he described as the “worst in the party’s history” due to “self-aggrandisement, greed, and selfish ambitions of some members.”
Urging immediate intervention, George called on the NWC to address the situation before it escalates.
“We are sounding this early warning to prevent political upheaval in Lagos. The party must act swiftly to ensure justice and equity,” he appealed.
He also reaffirmed the state chapter’s commitment to funding the fair distribution of forms to contestants, signaling an end to “the old era of manipulation and deceit.”
George stressed the importance of maintaining public trust, stating, “Our actions must always be just, fair, and above board, as the public is closely watching.”
