…Warns against threat to silent opposition
A former Deputy National Chairman of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Olabode George, has condemned the exclusion of major opposition parties from the forthcoming Rivers State House of Assembly by-election, describing the move as absolute lunacy and a sign of desperation by a cabal allegedly plotting to manipulate the 2027 general election.
George was reacting to the decision of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to bar the PDP, African Democratic Congress (ADC) and Labour Party (LP) from participating in the February 21 by-election in Rivers State.
INEC had confirmed through the state Resident Electoral Commissioner in Port Harcourt that only seven political parties met the stipulated requirements and were cleared to contest in the poll.
But the PDP chieftain, who holds the traditional title of Atona Oodua of Yorubaland, accused the electoral body of acting as a megaphone for a cabal in the Presidency bent on returning the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to power in 2027 at all costs.
“Is INEC Now an Arm of APC?”
In a strongly worded statement, George questioned the neutrality of INEC, asking whether the commission had become an extension of the ruling party.
“Is INEC now an arm of APC?” he asked. “How can INEC be disqualifying political parties this way? Is it because it wants APC to return to Aso Rock in 2027?”
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He further alleged that the APC-led federal hovernment is preoccupied with political positioning ahead of 2027, even if it means weakening democratic institutions and suffocating the opposition.
George cited what he described as the recent invasion and sealing of the PDP national headquarters in Abuja without a court order as part of a broader pattern of intimidation.
“All our congresses from wards to local governments and states, including the convention, were done legally. So who invited the police? Who instructed INEC to disqualify our party from participating in elections?” he queried.
Warning against repeating history
drawing parallels with Nigeria’s First Republic, George warned that seemingly minor political infractions, if unchecked, could spiral into national instability.
He referenced the political crises between 1962 and 1966, which culminated in the collapse of the First Republic and eventually the civil war that lasted from July 1967 to January 1970.
According to him, the suppression of opposition figures such as Obafemi Awolowo and the widespread rigging of elections during that era led to violent unrest, including the infamous “Operation Wetie” in the Western Region.
“What happened then should serve as a lesson. Everything was done to silence the opposition, and the consequences were catastrophic,” he said.
Allegations of Intimidation
George also alleged that governors and lawmakers are being pressured to defect to the APC, claiming that such tactics reflect fear of the 2027 elections rather than confidence.
“Power is not eternal,” he warned. “Those who wielded power yesterday, where are they today? Nigeria belongs to all of us.”
The PDP Board of Trustees member insisted that no individual or group could destroy the party, expressing confidence that Nigerians would resist any attempt to turn the country into a one-party state.
Call for Reflection
In a religious appeal, George noted the simultaneous observance of the Christian Lenten season and the Muslim Ramadan period, describing it as a divine signal for leaders to reflect and act responsibly.
“This is a time for those in authority to have a rethink. God is greater than anybody. If we must salvage Nigeria, the time is now,” he said.
He concluded with a caution that Nigeria cannot afford another avoidable political collapse, urging political actors to prioritize national unity and democratic integrity over personal ambition.
INEC and the APC had yet to formally respond to George’s allegations as of press time.
