Chief Bode George, a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Board of Trustees (BoT), has asserted that Nigerians experienced better conditions under President Goodluck Jonathan’s leadership compared to the tenures of the late President Muhammadu Buhari and the current administration of Bola Tinubu.
As a former deputy national chairman of the PDP, George highlighted key economic indicators such as inflation rates, interest rates, and the Naira’s exchange rate against the US dollar, all of which, he argued, were more favorable during Jonathan’s presidency. He also issued a stern warning to the incoming chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), urging that the electoral process must genuinely reflect the will of Nigerians to avoid unrest.
In response to the Tinubu administration’s dismissal of Jonathan’s record-particularly after former Information Minister Prof. Jerry Gana suggested Jonathan might run for president again in 2027 under the PDP-George challenged the narrative. Speaking to ARISE News, he said, “Reflect on Jonathan’s era and ask any Nigerian about their experiences since then, through Buhari’s and now Tinubu’s leadership. Look at the economic data: inflation, interest rates, the Naira’s value against the dollar. Who is truly satisfied today, whether wealthy or poor? Items that once cost 5,000 naira now sell for 25,000 naira.”
He continued, “They boast about economic progress, but anyone can present facts showing how Nigerians felt during Jonathan’s time versus now under APC rule. The challenges aren’t rooted in the oil sector. Consider fuel prices then and now-are Nigerians happier? It’s not enough to shout from the presidential villa and say, ‘You shouldn’t run.’ No one has the right to deny our people’s choice. Whoever carries our party’s flag will be decided through fair competition.”
George emphasized that Jonathan’s tenure left a more positive legacy than the current government. “If Jonathan is chosen, what is his record? It’s commendable. Nigerians were less frustrated then than they are today,” he remarked.
Addressing the upcoming INEC chairman, George urged, “I appeal to the new INEC leader to act with integrity. If Nigerians are not allowed to freely choose their leaders and candidates are imposed, the country risks descending into chaos. The people’s voice must prevail.”
He also expressed optimism about the PDP’s current trajectory ahead of the next presidential election. “I’m pleased that the PDP is stabilizing. The party has agreed that the next presidential candidate will come from the South. The courts have cleared former President Jonathan to contest, and others will also vie for the ticket. There will be a competitive convention next year,” he confirmed.
Furthermore, George criticized First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu’s recent appeal for donations to fund a national library project. “Recently, the First Lady, Remi, called for contributions directly to her account to build a national library. I must say, that’s inappropriate,” he stated.
He elaborated, “As First Lady, it’s one thing to support national projects, but to expect people to donate large sums in such a manner is not right. Consider that bankers have already contributed 20.7 billion naira transparently. That money could have been allocated to a dedicated fund I’ve long advocated for-one that supports skill acquisition programs for millions of young Nigerians.”
“Many university graduates today face bleak job prospects. Instead of focusing on a national library, the government should establish microcredit schemes through this special fund to empower youth. The First Lady should encourage her husband to prioritize this initiative,” George concluded.
