Elder statesman and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) leader Olabode George cautioned Atiku Abubakar and other PDP members against joining the National Coalition of Political Opposition Movement, calling it serving “two masters.”
Speaking at a party meeting in Lagos, George, a former PDP deputy national chairman, cited Section 222 of the 1999 Constitution, which prohibits dual party membership, and urged loyalty to PDP’s 10 million members. “This coalition with ADC dilutes our identity,” he said.
The warning follows Atiku’s June 2025 alliance with Peter Obi and David Mark under the African Democratic Congress (ADC), aiming for 15 million votes in 2027. George, supported by 60% of PDP elders, fears a 20% membership drop, with 5,000 defecting since the merger talks.
Atiku’s camp defends the move as strategic, targeting APC’s 20 state governorships, but George plans a campaign by Q3 to reinforce PDP’s base, amid 33% national inflation.