Chief Bode George, a founding member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has expressed deep sorrow over the defection of prominent party leaders—including former Vice President Alhaji Atiku Abubakar and former Senate President David Mark—to the newly established African Democratic Congress (ADC).
Although Atiku Abubakar has yet to make a formal declaration of his defection, he has played a central role in the formation of a coalition of opposition politicians. This coalition, driven by ongoing internal issues within the PDP, recently adopted the ADC as its official platform ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In a more definitive move, David Mark, citing the unresolved crisis within the PDP, officially resigned from the party. He now serves as the interim national chairman of the coalition operating under the ADC banner.
Joining them in the political shift are other longstanding PDP members such as Liyel Imoke and Emeka Ihedioha—both former governors of Cross River and Imo States, respectively—who have also pitched their tents with the ADC.
Reacting to the mass exodus, Bode George, during an interview on Channels Television on Friday, described the situation as heartbreaking. He likened the PDP to a “political Iroko tree” in Nigeria, now being deserted by some of its original architects. George expressed dismay that these founding members, who are now leaving the party, had a significant role in fueling the crisis they now cite as the reason for their departure.
“I feel deeply heartbroken and very sad,” George said. “Yes, we have a crisis in the PDP, but many of those who are now leaving are actually part of the reason that crisis exists. They helped create it. The real question Nigerians should ask is: are they leaving because the PDP has truly collapsed, or is it driven by personal ambition, self-interest, or egotism?”
He revealed that efforts were made within the party to resolve the crisis through dialogue, debate, and unity. However, he noted with disappointment that these defectors chose to walk away from the party shortly after those discussions began.
“As a retired general, I have spent time thinking deeply about this, and my honest conclusion is that their actions are driven by nothing more than existential imbecility,” he added bluntly.
George also downplayed the potential of the ADC to become a formidable opposition force, arguing that the party lacks the strategic depth and political maturity of the PDP. He dismissed the idea that the ADC could challenge the ruling party effectively, emphasizing that the PDP remains the most experienced and structured opposition platform in the country.
