Former Deputy National Chairman (South) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Bode George, has criticised the blockade by security operatives that prevented members of the party’s Board of Trustees (BoT) from accessing the PDP national secretariat in Abuja.
On Monday morning, police officers reportedly sealed off the PDP headquarters, stopping BoT members from entering the National Executive Committee (NEC) hall for a scheduled meeting. The meeting was later relocated to the Yar’Adua Centre in Abuja’s Central Business District.
Speaking at the party’s secretariat, George said the development was an attempt to suppress internal party processes. “They said we will not hold our meetings in our office? What is going on? Can’t we sit and talk? What is the essence of democracy?” he asked.
He expressed concern over the use of security forces to interfere in party activities, stating, “You came to our office, surrounded by police, because you want to have a meeting? You want to turn us to North Korea? Or turn this country to Russia? We will not allow it.”
George described the incident as a violation of party members’ rights. “The landlord was prevented from sitting down and discussing domestic and family problems,” he said.
He also alleged that the officers on duty claimed they were acting on orders from above, citing conflicting notices about the NEC meeting.
“You hear biblically — this is the voice of Jacob, but the hand of Esau. Whoever gave the order from above — we have heard it before. I have been on both sides — the military and the civil,” he added.
George urged authorities to prioritise national issues, saying, “We have more pressing problems — economic, financial, education, infrastructure. They should face that.”
Reiterating his commitment to party unity, he said the PDP should remain a platform for dialogue, not suppression. “PDP is not a private enterprise. You don’t resolve party matters outside. You must sit down,” he said.
Despite the disruption, George confirmed that the BoT meeting was held as scheduled.
