Former Deputy National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Bode George, has strongly criticized former Senate President David Mark over his call for PDP members to join the newly formed opposition coalition under the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
In an interview with The Punch, George expressed disappointment and outrage, labeling Mark’s position as “disgraceful and unworthy,” especially given his military background and long-standing ties with the PDP.
“I am deeply ashamed of that statement coming from David Mark… It is extremely disgraceful. I am heartbroken,” George said.
Mark, alongside former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Sule Lamido, Aminu Tambuwal, and other political heavyweights, had recently endorsed the ADC coalition during a meeting in Abuja. In the communique, Mark had urged “all well-meaning PDP members” to join forces with the coalition to “rescue Nigeria” in the 2027 general elections.
However, Bode George, a founding member of the PDP, described the move as a betrayal and a disservice to the legacy of the party’s founding fathers.
“You left a house that produced and nurtured you just because there is one crisis or the other? This is not about Mark being arrogant; he is disgraceful. He chaired the convention that brought about the crisis in the PDP today.”
“A Disappointment to the Party’s Legacy”
George further accused Mark and others of abandoning the party during its time of need and dishonoring the memories of PDP stalwarts who built the party’s foundation.
“These people are perpetually dancing on the graves of those babas who gave their lives and everything for the party. That comment he made that PDP is now a shadow of its former self is unacceptable.”
He emphasized that Mark, as a retired Army General, should have shown more discipline and loyalty, adding that he “has no right to demonize the PDP.”
“If a civilian said what he said, we can ignore it, but we (military personnel) were trained to have respect for processes and tradition. Who created the shadow he is talking about? Who chaired the convention where everything was turned upside down?”
Background: Deepening Divisions in PDP
The exchange highlights deepening internal rifts within the PDP as prominent members align with new political structures like the ADC in a bid to challenge the All Progressives Congress (APC) and President Bola Tinubu in 2027.
George’s comments reflect growing frustration among PDP loyalists who believe defections and factionalism are undermining efforts to rebuild the party.
