Bode George Condemns Exclusion of PDP, ADC, LP from Rivers Bye-Elections

Port Harcourt – Former Deputy National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Olabode George, has condemned the exclusion of the PDP, African Democratic Congress (ADC), and Labour Party (LP) from the upcoming Rivers State House of Assembly bye-elections, describing it as “arrant nonsense and the tyranny of a despotic cabal desperate to rig the 2027 general elections.”

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had announced that only seven political parties met the requirements and were cleared to participate in the February 21 elections, effectively barring the three major opposition parties. The announcement was made in Port Harcourt by the state Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC).

Speaking on the matter, Chief George accused INEC of acting as “a megaphone for a cabal in the Presidency desperate to return to power in 2027.” He questioned whether INEC had become an arm of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), alleging that the Federal Government was undermining democratic institutions to weaken opposition parties.

“What exactly is going on in this country? The APC-led Federal Government appears preoccupied with political positioning ahead of 2027, even if it means suffocating the opposition and shamelessly using state agencies to perpetrate these undemocratic acts,” George said.

He referenced recent events, including the invasion and sealing of the PDP national headquarters in Abuja, arguing that all party congresses, from ward to national levels, had been conducted legally. “Who instructed INEC to disqualify our party from participating in upcoming elections? Is the Federal Government turning Nigeria into a one-party state ahead of 2027?” he asked.

George warned that the current political environment risked repeating the mistakes of Nigeria’s past. “What happened between 1962 and 1966 shows that seemingly small political infractions, when ignored, can snowball into national disasters,” he said, recalling how the collapse of the First Republic eventually led to the civil war from July 6, 1967, to January 15, 1970, resulting in the death of over two million Nigerians.

He added: “We need to question this openly and, if necessary, escalate the matter globally. How can INEC disqualify political parties in this manner? Is it because it wants APC back in Aso Rock in 2027?”

Chief George’s remarks underscore growing tensions in Rivers State politics as the February bye-elections approach.