Obasanjo Made Mistake Bringing Bode George Into PDP, Says Deji Doherty

A chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Deji Doherty, has dismissed claims that Chief Olabode George is one of the founding fathers of the party, insisting that the former Deputy National Chairman was brought into the PDP after its formation by former President Olusegun Obasanjo.

Speaking during an interview with TVC News, on Tuesday, August 4, Doherty also described George’s entry into the PDP as “one of the mistakes” made by Obasanjo, while accusing the elder statesman of mismanaging the party’s affairs in Lagos.

“I think General Olusegun Obasanjo made one of the mistakes by bringing Bode George into the PDP,” Doherty said.

He added: “First of all, I would like to clear one thing. Chief Bode George is not a founding father of the PDP.”

According to Doherty, individuals such as the late Chief Alex Ekwueme, Sule Lamido and other early party leaders were among those who established the PDP, insisting George joined the party later.

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“The people that formed the party… Chief Bode George was brought in by General Obasanjo after he became president or just before he became president. So when he arrogates to himself being a founding member, that is not correct,” he said.

The former Lagos PDP chairman further alleged that George had failed in his stewardship of the party in the state.

“Obasanjo just gave Lagos to Bode George to manage and he has managed it in a very poor manner,” Doherty said.

During the interview, Doherty displayed what he described as documents relating to previous reconciliation efforts within the Lagos PDP, claiming several respected party leaders had intervened over the years without lasting success.

On the lingering leadership crisis within the Lagos chapter of the PDP, Doherty argued that the dispute was not about controlling the party but about allowing younger politicians to emerge.

“I have seen things happen within the party that have made me decide that it is time for the younger people to come up. I don’t care whether you are from PDP, APC or anywhere. As a youth, you are the owners of this country and you must take charge, and we must move aside for you,” he said.

The PDP chieftain, who said he is 64 years old, disclosed that he intends to serve only one term if elected Lagos governor.

“I have already said I am going to be a one-term governor because I’ll be 70 by the time I leave. Why would I be looking for a second term?” he said.