A prominent chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Olabode George, has expressed deep disappointment over the recent public altercation between the party’s National Chairman, Ambassador Umar Iliya Damagum, and its National Legal Adviser, Kamaldeen Ajibade, describing the incident as “gut-wrenching.”
Speaking during an interview with Channels Television on Wednesday, George criticized the public confrontation between the two senior officers, saying it portrayed the party in a bad light at a time when unity and discipline were crucial.
“The party has been managing and holding forth and saying, ‘Don’t let us fight, don’t let us quarrel.’ What happened was absolutely gut-wrenching. The chairman was there. Who is the legal adviser to be arguing publicly with the national chairman, who is the center of operations?” George questioned.
The PDP leader, a former Deputy National Chairman of the party, said the development showed a disturbing breakdown of internal respect and protocol within the PDP’s hierarchy. He emphasized that such open confrontation between senior officials undermines the authority of the chairman and weakens the structure of the party.
“Who is the legal adviser? If he has any regard or respect for his position, he must defer to the chairman of the party. The chairman of the party is primus inter pares (first among equals). So, I am shocked about this attitude,” George declared.
He urged party officials at all levels to remember that leadership requires humility, respect, and collective responsibility. According to him, the party has faced enough internal crises since the 2023 elections and cannot afford further divisions caused by ego clashes.
“This is the time to close ranks and rebuild trust among ourselves,” he noted. “The PDP has been through storms, but it is still the only party with a true national structure and experience in governance. We cannot allow indiscipline to tear down what generations have built.”
George also spoke on the upcoming PDP national convention, revealing that the party’s leadership had concluded arrangements for the event, which is scheduled to take place in Ibadan, Oyo State. He appealed to members to respect the decisions reached by the leadership in preparation for the convention.
“And the party itself—we had held meetings. We have concluded all necessary arrangements for the national convention in Ibadan. No judicial officer should please get into it, because that will conflagrate the political animation of Nigeria. We had set our date. Those who don’t like the heat can get out of the kitchen,” he stated.
His comments come amid growing tension within the PDP following the defection of several governors and prominent members to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
The party’s internal disputes ranging from leadership legitimacy to legal representation in pending court cases have sparked widespread concern among stakeholders about the future of the opposition.
Party insiders have expressed fears that the recent disagreement between Damagum and Ajibade could further destabilize the PDP, particularly as it prepares for the convention aimed at repositioning the party ahead of the 2027 elections.
George, however, expressed optimism that with discipline and renewed focus, the PDP could overcome its challenges. He called on the National Working Committee (NWC) to enforce internal order and ensure that all members adhere strictly to the party’s constitution and code of conduct.
“Politics is about order and respect for hierarchy,” he said. “If everyone begins to act independently, chaos will take over. The party must show that it still has the internal mechanism to correct itself.”
Chief George concluded by warning against external interference in the party’s internal affairs, especially from the judiciary or political opponents, stressing that the PDP must be allowed to resolve its issues internally.
“What we need now is maturity, wisdom, and patience,” he said. “The PDP has always been a symbol of democracy. We must protect that legacy by showing Nigerians that we can still lead by example.” he added. See, More, Here>>>>
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