Elder statesman and former Deputy National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Olabode George, has criticised former Senate President Bukola Saraki for attending the party’s national convention organised by a faction loyal to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.
The convention, held at the Velodrome of the MKO Abiola National Stadium in Abuja, is part of the ongoing leadership crisis within the opposition party.
The crisis has led to the emergence of parallel factions, each laying claim to the party’s national structure.
George belongs to a rival faction led by Tanimu Turaki, whose National Working Committee was elected at a convention held in Ibadan, Oyo State, last November.
However, the Court of Appeal recently nullified that convention and directed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) not to recognise it.
The development has further complicated the leadership tussle within the party.
Speaking in an interview with Daily Independent, George criticised Saraki’s decision to attend the Wike-backed convention and his conduct at the event.
“If every other person is afraid of telling Saraki the truth, I will tell him,” George said.
“First of all, I am not Saraki’s age mate in any format. All his activities throughout his journey in politics, there is no one he made in a reasonable and civilised behaviour. What else is he looking for?”
He also condemned Saraki for referring to Wike as his political leader during the convention.
“It is shameful seeing him dancing on the podium and calling Wike his national leader. It is disgraceful, unethical,” he said.
George further criticised Saraki’s political career, accusing him of prioritising personal interest over democratic principles.
“Saraki does not have regard for anything or anybody except himself. What will history or posterity say about him?” he said.
“He has totally misconceived the definition of democracy — which is the government of the people, by the people and for the people. It is not government of yourself, by yourself and for your family alone.”
He also questioned Saraki’s background in politics, noting that he studied medicine before entering public life.
George maintained that he was ready to confront Saraki directly if necessary.
“If others can’t tell him one truth, I will tell him twelve. If he likes, let him confront me. I need to talk some sense into his head,” he said.