Chief Olabode George, a former deputy chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has urged Dr. Iyorchia Ayu, the national chairman, to keep his word and step down if the North is chosen as the candidate for president.
He claimed that the inclusiveness principle had been broken by the chairman and flag bearer emerging from one zone.
The main opposition party was also advised by George, a retired naval commodore and one-time military governor of Ondo State, to get its house in right before the elections of next year.
In the best interests of the party, he counselled Atiku Abubakar, a presidential contender, and Nyesom Wike, the governor of Rivers.
George, who discussed the status of the country with reporters in Lagos, asked Wike to emulate him by giving up something in order to advance the cause.
The party elder claimed that despite having aspirations of being national chairman, he had to bury such hopes when they were not zoned to the Southwest, as was expected by party members there.
George claimed that certain chieftains from the South were disturbed by the fact that Ayu remained to serve as chairman after Atiku declared his candidacy.
He said:”Ayu said once the presidential candidate emerged from the North, he will resign. I want to take on him for his word. Why are you now trying to reverse the role? Your word must be your bond.”
In order to promote justice and togetherness, the PDP's founding fathers had committed to distribute six core positions among the six zones, George recalled.
President, Vice President, Secretary to Government of the Federation, Senate President, Speaker of the House of Representatives, and National Chairman were among the posts he listed.
In his opinion, their plan ushered in the culture of zoning and rotation in an effort to foster a sense of inclusion and belonging across the six zones.
George lamented that the PDP had not foreseen the circumstance as he also observed the attitude in the South over the likelihood that President Muhammadu Buhari will be succeeded by a leader from the North in 2023.
He explained that while party positions were being zoned initially, the party permitted the entry of aspirants from the South and North into the contest for presidential ticket.
He stressed:”When the chairman was zoned to the North, they should have zoned the presidential slot to the South. I said with what APC has done to Nigeria, zoning is now more important than in 1999.”
However, George called for dialogue and peace in the party, saying that the warring chieftains should calm down.
He urged Wike to maintain an abiding interest and fidelity to the PDP, stressing that it is still the best in terms of national outlook, format and reputation.
George said politicians should bear in mind that “in politics, you win some, you lose some.”
The former Deputy Chairman also advised Atiku not to relent in continuous consultations and reconciliation because it is in his interest and the collective interest of the party.
He said:”I appeal to all sides to sheathe their swords. National elections are coming. PDP must convince Nigerians that it can manage the resources of the country in the best interest of the people.
“They should avoid statement of arrogance, innuendos, name calling that can destroy the party. The Board of Trustees must rise up to the occasion and the warring chieftains should calm down. There have been mistakes. I also suffered from mistakes during the contest for national chairman.
“I never became chairman and I did not fade away. Those who did not get presidential ticket should not think it is the end.”
George also spoke on the worsening insecurity, calling on the National Security Adviser(NSA) to resign.
He wondered how candidates and political parties can campaign round the country during the electioneering in an atmosphere of insecurity.
George said it was shameful and worrisome that terrorists attacked the Brigade of Guards and set free prisoners from correctional centres and no arrest was made.