“Bode George Has No Job, A Failed Politician” – Wike Fires Back at BoT Member Over Role in PDP Crisis

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has launched a scathing attack on Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Board of Trustees (BoT) member, Chief Bode George, dismissing him as an irrelevant figure who is merely stirring trouble to stay politically relevant. Speaking during a live media chat in Abuja, Wike said George is unemployed and politically spent, and has no moral standing to talk about the PDP crisis or pass judgment on anyone.

“Who is Bode George? What job does he do? Nothing. He is idle and jobless,” Wike said pointedly, in response to George’s recent criticism of his role in the party’s internal conflicts. “He is a failed politician, and his record in Lagos is nothing to write home about. Why should anyone take him seriously?”

George had accused Wike of disrespecting party elders and contributing to the PDP’s troubles at the national level, particularly before and after the 2023 general elections. But Wike, who served as governor of Rivers State for eight years and is widely credited for infrastructure development in that state, dismissed the claims as baseless and hypocritical.

According to Wike, Bode George is only angry because he could not control the PDP machinery in the South-West and has become increasingly irrelevant in national politics. “He couldn’t win his polling unit. He has no base. What kind of leader is that?” Wike asked.

He accused George of using every opportunity to attack younger politicians out of frustration, and warned that the era of imposing political decisions based on empty seniority claims is over. “You can’t sit in Lagos and expect the rest of us to follow your outdated style. We’re in a new political era. Respect is earned, not demanded,” he said.

Wike’s comments come amid ongoing tensions in the PDP, especially following the 2023 presidential elections where a faction of the party — led by the G-5 governors including Wike — refused to back the party’s presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar. The internal division weakened the PDP’s performance at the polls, and some elders like George have repeatedly blamed Wike and his allies for the outcome.

But Wike insists that his actions were based on principles and fairness, not personal ambition. “I stood for zoning and equity. I said it clearly — after eight years of the North, the South deserves the presidency. That’s what we agreed as a party. If you can’t stand by your word, then you’re the problem, not me,” he said.

The minister noted that those accusing him today never raised their voices when party decisions were being hijacked by a few individuals. He alleged that people like George stood by while others bent the rules to favor their allies, and only found their voice after the consequences played out. “Now they’re shouting, but where were they when things were going wrong? They were quiet, hoping to benefit,” he said.

Wike said he has no regrets for the role he played during the elections, and he remains committed to building a more accountable and transparent PDP. “We must stop deceiving ourselves. If we want to rebuild this party, we must tell the truth. Enough of the pretenders acting like saints in public but doing worse behind closed doors,” he said.

The minister also used the media chat to address various issues in the Federal Capital Territory, including infrastructure, insecurity, transportation, and land administration. But when asked about the constant attacks from his party leaders, he said he won’t be distracted by people he considers politically inconsequential.

“People like Bode George can’t intimidate me. I’ve fought bigger battles. I’ve governed a state. I’ve won elections. What has he done recently?” Wike asked. “Let him come and show us one ward where he’s relevant today.”

He urged the public not to be swayed by recycled political rhetoric from people who contributed little or nothing to the party’s recent efforts. “They sit around TV stations offering commentary, but no real input. Leadership is not about making noise; it’s about results,” he said.