According to the report from the Vanguard, Eshanekpe Israel, widely known as Akpodoro, the Mayor of Urhoboland and leader of the Association of Urhobo Mayoral Family (AUMF), has criticized Chief Bode George, a senior member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), for his recent comments on President Bola Tinubu’s administration. Akpodoro dismissed George’s remarks as a “midsummer night’s dream,” suggesting they stem from political irrelevance.
Chief Bode George, during his 79th birthday celebration, claimed Nigerians were looking forward to voting out President Tinubu in 2027, citing current economic difficulties.
Responding from the Ughelli Mayoral Palace, Akpodoro countered that Nigerians are more likely to reelect Tinubu for a second term due to what he described as the president’s transformative governance. “Nigerians are seeing the delivery of immeasurable dividends and a renewed hope in a prosperous and equitable Nigeria,” he stated, contrasting Tinubu’s administration with the PDP’s 24-year rule, which he alleged caused significant socio-economic and political harm.
Akpodoro praised President Tinubu for his “political will and capacity” to address challenges inherited from previous administrations. He accused critics like George of resisting Tinubu’s economic reforms, which he claimed were designed to rebuild the nation.
The mayor also revisited a pledge reportedly made by Chief George before the 2027 presidential election. “George vowed to go into self-imposed exile if Tinubu won. Yet, his continued presence in Nigeria today underscores the renewed hope inspired by Tinubu’s leadership,” Akpodoro said.
Highlighting the PDP’s alleged failures, Akpodoro criticized the party’s leadership for mismanaging resources during periods of high oil prices. He described Tinubu as a reformist committed to dismantling corruption. “The removal of fuel subsidies and the naira float are groundbreaking achievements that disrupted profiteering networks and demonstrated Tinubu’s resolve to prioritize national interest over entrenched interests,” he added.
In a sharp critique of PDP members, Akpodoro accused them of hypocrisy and overseeing what he called the worst elections in the nation’s history. He urged Nigerians to disregard their criticisms, emphasizing the need to focus on the Tinubu administration’s developmental agenda.
“President Tinubu is the consensus choice of Nigerians for 2027,” Akpodoro concluded, calling on citizens to rally behind Tinubu’s vision for a renewed and prosperous Nigeria.