By Opeyemi Adelakun
Fresh efforts to heal divisions within the Lagos chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) emerged on Sunday as allies of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, extended an olive branch to party chieftain Bode George, urging him to reunite with what they described as the party’s mainstream leadership ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The appeal underscores ongoing attempts to mend cracks within the opposition party, which has been grappling with leadership disputes and factional alignments at both national and state levels.
Speaking on the political future of the party in Lagos, the faction’s State Organising Secretary, Hakeem Olalemi, described George as one of the PDP’s most influential figures whose experience remains invaluable to the party’s rebuilding efforts.
According to him, despite political disagreements that have pitched some leaders against one another, George remains a respected stakeholder whose place in the party has never been in doubt.
“Chief Bode George is always welcome in the PDP. We have great respect for him and there is room for him within the party,” Olalemi said.
He expressed optimism that the veteran politician would eventually work with the leadership structure recognised by the faction, insisting that reconciliation rather than exclusion should define the party’s approach.
The comments come against the backdrop of a prolonged leadership tussle within the PDP. George has maintained close ties with a rival bloc aligned with Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde and the Dr. Kabiru Turaki-led National Working Committee, while remaining one of Wike’s most vocal critics.
Olalemi, however, downplayed the significance of the divisions, arguing that disagreements were common in political organisations and should not be mistaken for a collapse of unity.
He maintained that the PDP’s culture has always been to accommodate differing opinions while working towards a common political objective.
“The PDP is a family. If we use one hand to discipline a child, we use the other hand to bring him back. There is room for everybody who believes in the progress of the party,” he said.
Looking ahead to the 2027 elections, the PDP chieftain insisted that the party remains the most formidable opposition force in Lagos and dismissed concerns about emerging political movements seeking to challenge its influence.
He argued that many politicians currently operating under alternative platforms built their political careers within the PDP and would eventually return as electioneering activities gather momentum.
Olalemi also disclosed that the party had intensified grassroots mobilisation across wards, local governments and political zones in Lagos, saying preparations for the next electoral cycle were already underway.
“We are ready to give APC a serious contest in 2027. Our structures are being strengthened across the state and our members are actively mobilising support,” he stated.
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