“Nigerians Are Hungry, They Will Shock You in 2027” — Bode George Warns APC

Former Deputy National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Olabode George, has issued a strong warning to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), declaring that Nigerians’ growing hardship and frustration could translate into a dramatic political backlash in the 2027 general elections.

George made the remarks on Friday at the inauguration of the Lagos State Executive Committee of the PDP in Ikeja, where he described the opposition party as “reborn” and fully repositioned to reclaim power at the federal level. According to him, despite recent defections by some governors and lawmakers, the PDP remains Nigeria’s most extensive and resilient political platform.

Addressing party members and supporters, George argued that the PDP has undergone a significant internal renewal following its national convention held in Ibadan in November 2025. He said the convention marked a turning point that restored the confidence Nigerians had in the party when it was founded in 1998.

“What we have witnessed since the Ibadan convention is a rebirth, a new beginning and a restoration of the confidence Nigerians once had in the PDP,” George said. “This party is not dying. It is rising.”

The PDP chieftain dismissed concerns that recent defections to the APC had weakened the opposition, insisting that those who left under pressure would eventually return. He alleged that PDP governors and lawmakers were being coerced, intimidated, or induced to defect by the ruling party, but maintained that such actions would not break the party’s resolve.

“Our governors and lawmakers are being forced and threatened to defect, but we are not bothered,” he said. “The PDP is the only true national party in Nigeria. The APC is merely a coalition of strange bedfellows brought together by convenience.”

George, who also holds the traditional title of Atona Oodua of Yorubaland, accused the APC of undermining democratic principles through imposition of party officials and lack of internal democracy. In contrast, he said the PDP had demonstrated democratic maturity through transparent ward, local government, state, and national congresses.

He further warned that Nigeria’s democracy was under threat if alleged anti-democratic practices continued unchecked. According to him, any attempt to manipulate or predetermine the outcome of the 2027 elections would be strongly resisted by Nigerians.

“Nigerians are angry. Nigerians are hungry,” George declared. “These anti-people policies have pushed millions to the edge. If the APC believes it can repeat what happened in recent elections in 2027, Nigerians will shock them.”

The former PDP leader also cautioned the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to remain neutral and strictly adhere to its constitutional mandate. He warned that compromised elections could destabilise the country and erode public trust in democratic institutions.

Earlier at the event, the newly inaugurated Lagos State PDP Chairman, Amos Fawole, described the emergence of the new executive committee as a solemn commitment to rebuild and reposition the party in the state. He said the leadership transition marked a renewed effort to strengthen party structures from the ward level upward and present a credible alternative to Lagos residents.

“This is not just a ceremonial exercise,” Fawole said. “It is a collective agreement to reawaken hope, rebuild trust, and rescue Lagos through people-centred politics.”

The event attracted several prominent party figures, including former PDP Board of Trustees member Aduke Maina, former Deputy Governor of Lagos State Kofoworola Bucknor-Akerele, members of the South-West zonal leadership, and other national officers of the party.

As Nigeria approaches the 2027 elections, George’s comments reflect growing opposition efforts to frame economic hardship and hunger as defining political issues. Whether this message resonates strongly enough with voters to challenge the ruling party remains a critical question in the evolving political landscape.