Former Deputy National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Olabode George, has criticized the recent defection of Governors Peter Mbah of Enugu State and Douye Diri of Bayelsa State to the All Progressives Congress (APC), describing their actions as “an act of existential imbecility.”
Speaking in an interview, the PDP stalwart questioned the rationale behind the defections, wondering what could have motivated the governors to join the ruling party despite the economic hardship and growing discontent in the country.
According to George, “If you are truly dedicated and honest to your organization, what could possibly attract you to the other side? The management of the nation’s resources is poor, hunger and frustration are everywhere, so what exactly is pulling them to the APC?”
He expressed particular disappointment with Governor Diri, noting that Bayelsa has always been a strong PDP state. “He’s almost completing his tenure. How does he show gratitude to the people of Bayelsa who stood by him? Remember, he became governor through a Supreme Court pronouncement. In every election, the name on the ballot is the political party, not the individual. So, defecting at this point is a shameful act — a rolling stone gathers no moss,” George stated.
The PDP chieftain also questioned what the APC has achieved to merit such defections. “The debt burden of the nation keeps rising, the cost of living is unbearable, and many young people are jobless. So, what success story of the APC is so inspiring to these governors?” he asked.
Responding to suggestions that the governors may have defected to avoid investigation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) after leaving office, George remarked, “And so what? If you have done nothing wrong, why should you fear the EFCC?”
He further commented on internal party issues, referencing Governor Mbah’s defection despite appeals for patience over the PDP national secretaryship dispute involving Samuel Anyanwu. “We begged them to wait because Anyanwu’s tenure will soon expire. So, what’s the rush? Do they truly care about the people who voted them into power?” he asked.
George cautioned that some PDP governors appear to be manipulating the party’s structure, warning that such behavior undermines its unity and founding principles. “The governors must realize that they don’t have a monopoly of wisdom. When crises arise, solutions should be collective, not dictated by a few,” he said.
He urged the defected governors to reconcile with the elders and leaders of the PDP, emphasizing that leadership must be built on collaboration and respect for party values. “They must remember that most people in their states are not even card-carrying members of any party. The governors should not destroy the foundation that brought them to power,” he added.
On fears that the growing number of defections could turn Nigeria into a one-party state, George dismissed such concerns. “I’m not afraid. As a soldier, what matters is not the number of men you have, but their loyalty and dedication. What will sustain the PDP is commitment, not size,” he said.
He, however, urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to remain impartial and transparent in future elections. “INEC must be careful. Nigerians do not want to hear excuses about glitches again. We expect the new chairman to ensure credibility in the 2027 elections,” George concluded.
