The frustrated BoT convened instead at the Yar’Adua Centre in Abuja’s Central Business District .
🎙️ Bode George Speaks: “Voice of Jacob, Hand of Esau”
Attempt to stifle democracy: George, PDP's former Deputy National Chairman (South), condemned the police blockade as an affront to internal party democracy, asking, *“What is the essence of democracy?”* .
Not a private business: He stressed the national secretariat belongs to all members, not to be treated like a private enterprise.
International comparison: He likened the blockade to authoritarian regimes, stating, *“turn us to North Korea? Or turn this country to Russia?”* .
Esau and Jacob allegory: Decrying the ambiguity of the police orders, he used biblical imagery: *“This is the voice of Jacob, but the hand of Esau”* .
Internal vs national focus: George urged PDP leadership to redirect attention to pressing national concerns—economy, education, infrastructure—rather than internal conflict .
Party unity stance: Reaffirming PDP’s status as an "iroko tree" of Nigerian politics, George emphasized it must remain a hub for dialogue, not suppression .
Erosion of trust: Proxy policing of internal party meetings could deepen rifts among factions.
Public optics: The spectacle of police standoffs risks casting PDP as unstable or authoritarian from within.
Blueprint for renewal: George’s passion for dialogue and structural inclusion could energize efforts to unite the party ahead of upcoming elections.
“Reason in Turbulence: Bode George Decries ‘Voice of Jacob, Hand of Esau’ Police Blockade at PDP BoT Meet”
In a concerted rebuke of what he called a troubling erosion of internal democratic norms, Chief Bode George—former Deputy National Chairman (South) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)—voiced strong condemnation over the June 30 police blockade of BoT members seeking entry to the party’s national secretariat.
Blockade orchestrated, meeting disrupted
Security personnel reportedly cordoned off the NEC hall early Monday, denying BoT members access to their scheduled meeting. Undeterred, the body relocated its session to the Yar’Adua Centre in Abuja’s CBD .
“You want to turn us into North Korea… Russia?”
George, speaking outside the barricaded headquarters, questioned the democratic integrity of such enforcement actions, condemning them as “authoritarian” and casting doubt on the legitimacy of externally imposed restrictions on party affairs . He underscored the secretariat’s public function—a venue for transparent dialogue, not private control.
Biblical allegory underscores internal discord
Citing a biblical metaphor, George declared, “This is the voice of Jacob, but the hand of Esau,” warning against hidden influences orchestrating the blockade .
Nation’s agenda left unattended
Highlighting urgent national priorities—economic recovery, education reform, infrastructure—George urged PDP leaders to channel energy away from factional strife and toward delivering solutions for Nigerians .
An iroko of political resilience
Affirming his unwavering belief in PDP’s future, he likened the party to a resilient “iroko tree”—deep-rooted and enduring—asserting that its mission must remain rooted in inclusive dialogue, not coercion .
🔍 Suggested Onward Perspective
Track NEC implications: Will the NEC back the BoT's stance, or opt for mediation?
Security overreach? Investigate whether the police acted under political pressure or directive.
Grassroots reaction: Monitor how party members across states respond to perceived internal suppression.
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