‘Face Your Work in Abuja’ — Lagos PDP Slams Wike Over Comments on Bode George

The Lagos State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has criticised the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, over his recent comments concerning former Deputy National Chairman of the party, High Chief Olabode George.

In a statement issued on Saturday, the Lagos PDP spokesman, Prince Dr Christopher Odianarewo, accused Wike of attempting to distort the history of the party and diminish George’s contributions to the PDP.

The reaction followed comments attributed to Wike through his spokesman, Lere Olayinka, on August 8, 2026, in which the FCT minister reportedly said he had no regrets about opposing George’s ambition to become national chairman of the PDP.

Odianarewo rejected the claim that Wike prevented George from becoming national chairman, saying the former deputy national chairman voluntarily withdrew his ambition in the interest of fairness, zoning, party unity and stability.

He said George’s decision demonstrated political maturity and commitment to the interests of the party.

The Lagos PDP spokesman also questioned Wike’s continued references to George, particularly his account of visiting the former party chieftain at his Abuja residence following a PDP convention.

“Why did you need to go to his residence to appease a man you now describe as politically irrelevant and without value?” the party asked.

Odianarewo further disputed Wike’s attempt to associate George with the PDP’s electoral setbacks in Lagos.

He argued that the party had continued to win elections and produce elected officials in the state after 1999, including members of the House of Representatives, Lagos State House of Assembly and local government councils.

The party described claims that the PDP became electorally irrelevant after 1999 as propaganda, insisting that its political history could not be rewritten through recent narratives.

The Lagos PDP also rejected Wike’s reference to George’s polling unit voting figures, arguing that political leadership and influence should not be determined solely by the number of votes recorded at an individual polling unit.

“Leadership is bigger than a polling unit. Political history is bigger than a polling unit,” the statement said.

Reacting to Wike’s comments on the PDP’s 2027 Lagos governorship candidate, Deji Doherty, the party said it would not be distracted by attempts to elevate individuals above its established structures.

Odianarewo challenged those portraying Doherty as the political “saviour” of the Lagos PDP to demonstrate their electoral strength, saying Lagos voters could distinguish between established political structures and what he described as “television theatrics.”

The party also urged Wike to concentrate on his responsibilities as FCT minister and refrain from interfering in the political affairs of Lagos State.

“Minister Wike, Lagos PDP advises you respectfully: Face your work in Abuja and leave Lagos alone,” the statement said.

Odianarewo maintained that the Lagos PDP would not be intimidated by what it described as Wike’s threats, insults, name-calling or attempts to rewrite the party’s history in the state.

He added that George did not require Wike’s approval or endorsement to remain politically relevant and contribute to Nigeria’s democratic development.

The Lagos PDP concluded by cautioning Wike against attempting to impose what it described as a “Rivers political mentality” on Lagos, declaring: “Lagos no be Rivers.”