A former Deputy National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Olabode George, on Wednesday expressed optimism that the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic party (PDP) in the 2023 general elections, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, may defeat President Bola Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress (APC) at the Presidential Election Petitions Tribunal sitting in Abuja, to “reclaim the party’s mandate.”
Bode George, speaking on Channels Television on Wednesday morning, was of the view that it is not yet time for him to recognize Tinubu as President of Nigeria until the court confirms his victory in the February 25 polls. He asserted that the process is not yet over, saying people should wait for the outcome of the suit at the tribunal.
The elder statesman added that as soon as the court confirms Tinubu duly elected, there is no other way than to pray for Nigeria.
Bode George further said that he would first have to take permission from the PDP before accepting to work with the Tinubu administration if invited by the APC government, stating that he is still a strong member of the PDP. The elder statesman maintained that he will never defect to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Bode George had stated: “Let’s wait for the outcome of the judiciary. The process is not over. The day the process is over and the court pronounce him as the President, we have no way to fight but to pray for Nigeria.”
Bode George further clarified that he is not at war with Tinubu, saying that the main difference between them is Tinubu’s methodology and managerial style.
According to him, “the major difference between Bola and I is his methodology, his managerial style, is unlike me. I have a background in the military and I am a logistician in the military.
“You don’t carry your men to war without adequately doing your serious planning, intelligence gathering.”
The elder statesman also noted that three weeks are not enough to assess the performance of Tinubu since assuming office on May 29, saying that he is just starting the tenure.
According to the PDP chieftain, “It is not a 100-metre race. He is to manage his people and to manage the resources of this country for the betterment of this country. He is just starting off.”