‘He has no electoral value’ – Wike mocks Bode George
Wike Defends Decision to Block Bode George’s Ascendancy in PDP
By Omeiza Ajayi, Abuja
The Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike, has stated he does not regret his decision to prevent Chief Bode George, a former Deputy National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), from assuming the role of National Chairman. Wike characterized George as a “failed politician” who has not secured an electoral victory for the PDP in Lagos State since 1999.
In a statement released Saturday by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media, Lere Olayinka, Wike indicated that George’s political challenges have intensified with the rise of Deji Doherty, a candidate he opposes for party leadership in Lagos.
Wike asserted, “His anger is because we didn’t allow him to be PDP National Chairman, and I do not regret that decision.” He emphasized that George had approached the position as if it were his “birthright,” insisting that the South-South region deserved rightful representation in the party’s leadership.
Reflecting on past interactions, Wike recounted a visit to George’s home in Maitama, Abuja, during which he sought to mend relations after the national convention. He noted that his entry was nearly blocked by George’s wife until former Ondo State Governor Olusegun Mimiko intervened.
Wike has criticized George for failing to deliver electoral success for the PDP in Lagos, despite his long-standing involvement in politics. He stated, “We have managed him even though we know he has no value. But as he continues to play an overt role in politics, we cannot hinder that.”
The minister argued that effective leadership within a political party should be measured by electoral performance rather than by name or status as a founding member. He deemed George “a complete disaster” in this regard.
Wike cited electoral data to support his claims, noting that George has never won his own polling unit, Unit 001 in Ward E2, Evans Street, Lagos Island. In the 2019 presidential election, the All Progressives Congress (APC) secured 84 votes at that unit, while the PDP garnered 40. In the 2023 election, following George’s voter registration change to Eti-Osa, the PDP recorded only four votes at his previous polling location.
Wike concluded his remarks by suggesting that since George appears to have ample free time, he would continue to engage his associates and provoke media appearances to maintain visibility in the political arena.
