‘Face your work in Abuja’ – Lagos PDP slams Wike over comment on Bode George
Lagos PDP Criticizes Federal Capital Minister’s Remarks About Party Leader
The Lagos State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has issued a strong rebuttal to comments made by Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, regarding former Deputy National Chairman High Chief Olabode George.
In a statement released Saturday, party spokesman Prince Dr. Christopher Odianarewo accused Wike of misrepresenting the history of the PDP and diminishing George’s contributions to the party. This statement followed remarks attributed to Wike on August 8, 2026, in which he expressed no regrets over opposing George’s bid for the national chairmanship.
Odianarewo contested Wike’s assertion that he had a role in George’s decision to withdraw from the race, arguing that George stepped back voluntarily to promote fairness, zoning, party unity, and stability. “High Chief George demonstrated political maturity by stepping down his ambition when it became clear that doing so was necessary,” the statement noted.
The spokesman also questioned the necessity of Wike’s visit to George’s residence after the PDP convention if George is as politically insignificant as Wike suggested. Odianarewo asked, “Why did you need to go to his residence to appease a man you now describe as politically irrelevant and without value?”
Furthermore, Odianarewo dismissed the notion that George was responsible for the PDP’s electoral challenges in Lagos. He asserted that the party has continued to secure electoral victories and hold positions in various legislative and local government bodies since 1999, contradicting claims of electoral irrelevance.
Describing such assertions as “propaganda,” he emphasized that the political history of Lagos PDP is not easily erased by recent narratives. The party also rejected Wike’s mention of George’s polling unit voting figures, asserting that leadership cannot be defined solely by these numbers. “Leadership is bigger than a polling unit. Political history is bigger than a polling unit,” the statement said.
In response to Wike’s comments about the PDP’s 2027 Lagos governorship candidate Deji Doherty, the party urged against elevating any individual above established party structures. Odianarewo challenged those labeling Doherty as the political “saviour” of the Lagos PDP to demonstrate their electoral viability, adding that voters are capable of distinguishing between genuine political influence and superficial theatrics.
The Lagos PDP advised Wike to focus on his role as FCT minister and refrain from interfering in Lagos politics. “Minister Wike, Lagos PDP advises you respectfully: Face your work in Abuja and leave Lagos alone,” the statement read.
Odianarewo insisted that the Lagos PDP would not be intimidated by Wike’s criticisms or attempts to distort the party’s history in the state. He reaffirmed that George does not require Wike’s approval to maintain political relevance or continue contributing to Nigeria’s democratic process.
The statement concluded with a warning to Wike against imposing what it characterized as a “Rivers political mentality” on Lagos, asserting, “Lagos no be Rivers.”
