A faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Lagos State aligned with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has intensified efforts to reconcile internal divisions by calling on party elder, Chief Bode George, to return to the party’s mainstream structure.
The appeal comes amid ongoing leadership tensions within the PDP as political actors reposition ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The call was made by the Lagos State PDP Organising Secretary, Mr Hakeem Olalemi, during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday in Lagos.
Olalemi said the party was open to reconciliation with aggrieved members, describing Bode George as a respected founding figure whose experience remains vital to rebuilding the party.
He urged the former PDP deputy national chairman to rejoin what he described as the party’s “mainstream leadership structure” to strengthen internal unity.
Chief Bode George, a senior PDP leader, is currently aligned with the Dr Kabiru Turaki-led National Working Committee (NWC), which is backed by Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde.
He has remained a vocal critic of Wike’s influence in the party since the escalation of PDP’s internal leadership disputes.
Despite the disagreement, Olalemi insisted that George remains an important stakeholder in the party.
Olalemi stressed that reconciliation remains central to the PDP’s political culture, noting that the party is committed to unity ahead of the next election cycle.
According to him, all aggrieved members are welcome to return and contribute to rebuilding the party.
He said:
“The PDP is a family. We are open to everyone who believes in the progress of the party.”
He added that internal disagreements should not weaken the party’s long-term political strength.
The faction also expressed confidence in the party’s readiness to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos State.
Olalemi said the PDP is strengthening its grassroots structures across wards, local governments, and senatorial districts.
He dismissed emerging opposition groups in the state, describing them as politically weak and lacking structure.
According to him, the PDP remains the dominant opposition force in Lagos politics.
Olalemi expressed optimism that several politicians who defected from the PDP would eventually return, citing the party’s nationwide structure and political history.
He said:
“Those who have left will come back. They know where the real structure is.”
He reaffirmed that the PDP is mobilising ahead of 2027 to present a strong challenge in the elections.
