Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics on Tuesday, George said he did not anticipate the move despite lots of reconciliatory efforts by senior PDP figures.
“I never saw it at any time. In fact, when Anyanwu was brought back as secretary to complete his assignment, he asked his people not to attend meetings.
“We were wondering what was going on in the South-East. Now that we have settled the matter and fixed the convention date, it’s only a question of time. Whatever position the East wanted to give him would have been his. So, what’s the essence of leaving now?” he said.
Chief Bode disclosed that several leaders of the PDP visited Mbah in a bid to persuade him to stay, he wished the governor well and maintained that the PDP remained strong and resilient despite recent defections. He also described ruling APC as a “private enterprise” owned by an individual.
“The governor, we all waded in and convinced him. Many people went there, telling him, ‘Calm down, the convention is next month. You’ll get whatever is due to the South-East.’ But the rationale and emphasis he gave, it was like I was in a very long dream,” George said.
“I wish him the best of luck. This is not the first time people are leaving. The PDP is an iroko tree. I wish them the best,” he added.
“The APC is owned by one man; he publicly said, ‘I own the party.’ That man is President Bola Tinubu,” George stated.
Addressing concerns about more governors defecting from the PDP in the South-East, George emphasised that the party’s strength lies in its grassroots base, not just its governors.
“Governors alone don’t make the party; they’re an added value. The people make up the party. We’ll campaign, go to the field, and explain to Nigerians what the APC has done, or failed to do, to put smiles on their faces. It’s not just about being in government. We’ll ensure that the will of Nigerians prevails,” he said.
George, however, expressed optimism about the future of his party, insisting that the PDP remains “absolutely redeemable.”
When asked if he could ever consider defecting, the PDP stalwart was emphatic in his response: “That is absolutely impossible,” he declared.
