A chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Bode George, has dismissed suggestions that the party is no longer viable, describing those holding such views as “dreamers”.

The elder statesman, who spoke on the Monday edition of Channels Television’s Politics Today in response to a question about those who believe the PDP “is dead,” said, “No way; those are dreamers. I’m telling you they are first-class dreamers.

“In political management, ownership structure, camaraderie—what we have in the PDP, they don’t have.”

The Board of Trustees member described the PDP as “the Iroko political party of Nigeria,” stating that “its roots remain deep and intact” despite recent challenges.

Reacting to the earlier police blockade at the PDP national secretariat in Abuja, George described the action as “disgraceful,” saying he was shocked to be turned back from entering party premises.

“It’s like going back to your home, and suddenly it’s surrounded by police. I thought, What in the globe is happening?” the 79-year-old statesman said.

He further stated that the events had taught PDP members vital lessons.

“These experiences are a load of lessons for party members. They’ve apologised; we saw the shenanigans. But let me reassure Nigerians: there’s no organisation in the world without a crisis.

“The most sensible thing is to come back, close the door, speak some home truths, debate, and unite—and that is what we’ve done today,” he added.

Blockade, NEC Relocation

Earlier in the day, the PDP had relocated its Board of Trustees (BoT) meeting to the Yar’Adua Centre in Abuja’s Central Business District, citing security concerns.

This followed an incident where George and other members of the National Working Committee (NWC) were prevented from accessing the party’s national secretariat for scheduled meetings of the National Executive Committee (NEC) and BoT.

Addressing journalists afterwards, the chieftain warned the Federal Government against actions capable of provoking a national crisis.

“This is our property. Was there any court order stopping us from meeting in our office? Nigerians are watching. You want to turn us into North Korea or Russia? We will not allow it,” he said.

Despite the disruption, the PDP held its 100th NEC meeting later that day at its Wadata Plaza headquarters, following the removal of the police blockade.

Acting National Chairman, Umar Damagum, while addressing members at the session, said the meeting would deliberate on only one agenda—setting a date for a full NEC meeting to address the party’s national convention and other issues.

The meeting concluded with the decision to hold the next NEC session on 23 July and affirmed that Samuel Anyanwu would continue as National Secretary.

Speaking to journalists, Bauchi State Governor and Chairman of the PDP Governors’ Forum, Bala Mohammed, said the police presence was to prevent miscreants from hijacking the meeting.

However, PDP leaders, including George and BoT member Maina Chiroma, criticised the police deployment, calling it an act of intimidation.

Former PDP National Secretary, Umar Tsauri, claimed that police personnel told them they were acting on “orders from above.”

The FCT Police Command, in response, denied sealing the secretariat. Its spokesperson, Josephine Adeh, said officers were deployed only to maintain law and order.

The party’s leadership crisis, particularly over the National Secretary position, remains unresolved, with both Anyanwu and Sunday Ude-Okoye laying claim to the role.

Although the Supreme Court ruled on the matter in March, both factions interpret the judgment differently. A fresh hearing is scheduled for 22 September at the Federal High Court in Abuja. (CHANNELS)