Bode George Blasts Atiku, David Mark Over Move to ADC Coalition: “They Messed Up PDP”

Prominent PDP chieftain and founding member, Chief Bode George, has come down hard on former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and ex-Senate President David Mark for aligning with the newly formed coalition led by the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

In an interview with the Nigerian Tribune, reported by The Punch on July 6, 2025, George described their defection as “illogical, ill-timed, and lacking in substance,” criticizing the move as a selfish decision driven more by personal ambition than the interest of Nigerians.

“If your roof is leaking, would you abandon the house? No. You stay back and repair it,” George said. “What exactly is wrong with the PDP that they couldn’t stay and solve it? We’ve had issues in the party, yes — but they were part of it. We’ve worked hard to resolve the crisis. So, why are they now running?”

He insisted that both Atiku and Mark were key figures during the party’s challenges and should have stayed to be part of the solution rather than leaving to form or support another political bloc.

George argued that the defection to the ADC-led coalition exposes a pattern of self-interest that undermines collective progress. “I’ve appealed to them to rethink their decision and return home. If they choose not to, then so be it. Let them remain where they are. It doesn’t matter anymore,” he said.

He also cautioned that abandoning political parties at the first sign of disagreement damages the broader opposition’s strength, especially with the 2027 general elections on the horizon.

“The truth is, if every time there is a disagreement we all run off to form something new, there will never be stability in our political system,” George added. “This behaviour is not about the people. It’s about individual ambition.”

With the opposition still trying to reorganize and mount a strong challenge to the APC, George reaffirmed his loyalty to the PDP and called on members to rebuild the party from within.

“We must stand firm, stay united, and fix what’s broken — not jump ship when things get tough,” he concluded.