A chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Bode George, has accused the Nigerian government of trying to turn the country into Russia after armed policemen blocked access to the party’s secretariat in Abuja, halting the planned National Executive Council (NEC) and Board of Trustees (BoT) meetings.
Speaking to journalists on Monday in front of the PDP headquarters, George expressed shock and anger over the police action, calling it undemocratic and dangerous. “You want to turn us to North Korea or turn this country to Russia? We will not allow it, Nigerians will not allow it,” he said firmly.
PDP Chieftain Condemns Police Action
The PDP stalwart, who is also a member of the party’s National Working Committee, condemned the move as an attack on democracy. According to him, there was no legal justification for preventing members from holding a meeting at their own secretariat.
“This is our property. Was there any court order to say we will not hold our meeting in our office?” he asked.
George warned that such actions could lead to national unrest, drawing comparisons to political chaos in Nigeria’s past. “I was a young man in 1962 when it all started in the South West. We must avoid that madness,” he said. He insisted that the PDP meeting would still hold, although he did not disclose the new venue.
Armed Police Block PDP Leaders
Earlier on Monday, Channels Television reported that armed police officers took over Wadata Plaza, the national headquarters of the PDP. The officers barred top party leaders, including BoT members, from entering the premises for the scheduled NEC meeting.
The police did not provide a public explanation for their presence or action.
George Warns Against Dictatorship
George’s reference to Russia and North Korea was not just symbolic — it was a direct warning. He accused the federal government of using force to suppress opposition and democratic institutions.
He said Nigerians must be alert and resist any move that would take the country back to authoritarian rule. “What is the essence of democracy?” he asked. “Can’t we sit and talk?”
They Want to Turn Nigeria to Russia — George Raises Alarm
By declaring they want to turn Nigeria to Russia, Bode George is not just complaining about police barricades, he is sounding the alarm over what he sees as a creeping dictatorship. Whether or not the federal government intended to disrupt PDP’s activities, this move has added fuel to fears of political suppression. For George and others in the opposition, this is not just about one meeting, it’s about the future of democracy in Nigeria.
