President Tinubu names staunch PDP stalwart who has been supporting his Govt

President Tinubu names staunch PDP stalwart who has been supporting his Govt

President Bola Tinubu has acknowledged the role played by former Deputy National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Olabode George, in offering constructive advice to his administration, revealing that he personally appealed to the elder statesman not to go on self-exile after the 2023 elections.

Tinubu made the remarks on Saturday at the 80th birthday celebration and public presentation of Chief George’s memoir in Lagos.

The president was represented at the event by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume.

In his tribute, the president commended George a former military governor of Ondo State for what he described as consistent and patriotic contributions to national discourse.

“Since assuming office, Chief George has been very gracious in offering advice and suggestions through his various interventions on national issues. I find many of his suggestions very valuable and enriching,” Tinubu said.

The president also recalled George’s public declaration before the 2023 polls that he might leave the country if Tinubu emerged victorious. He said he personally urged the PDP chieftain to reconsider, assuring him that Nigeria needed all its statesmen at home to build a united and prosperous nation.

“When he said he would go on exile if I won, I appealed to him to have a change of heart because we would all remain in Nigeria and work together for the peaceful and prosperous country we all desire,” Tinubu added.

President Tinubu added that, ‘’The event of today has again demonstrated that, as politicians, we disagree. Still, the values that bind us together as members of a household living in different rooms are more enduring and stronger than us.
“Politically, Chief Olabode George and I have been on opposite sides since 1999. But that has never diminished my admiration for him as a leader in Nigeria and in Lagos, our home state. I know the respect has always been mutual.”

The event was attended by former governors of Adamawa, Niger, Ogun, and Kano states — Murtala Nyako, Babangida Aliyu, Sen. Gbenga Daniel, and Sen. Rabiu Kwankwaso, respectively.
Also in attendance were the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, and the Chairman of the Governance Advisory Council (GAC) in Lagos State, Prince Tajudeen Olusi, among other dignitaries.
Former President Goodluck Jonathan, represented by Col. Paul Edor-Obi (rtd), lauded Chief George as both a mentor and a father figure.

 
“This milestone is a testimony to a life of service, courage, and unwavering commitment to our nation.
 
“Over the decades, you distinguished yourself as a professional, elder statesman, and a political leader. Your contributions to Nigerian democratic development and national unity remain deeply appreciated.
 
“You have demonstrated uncommon courage in standing with conviction, and have shown remarkable consistency in promoting justice, peace and good governance,” he said.
 

He added that Chief George’s autobiography would serve as an enduring source of inspiration for future generations.

In his remarks, Oyo State Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde, recounted how Chief George played a pivotal role in his political rise, revealing that the elder statesman intervened at a critical moment when he was pursuing his ambition to become governor, ultimately preventing him from being “drowned” in the turbulence of politics.