Prominent Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftain, Chief Bode George, has issued a stern warning to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, cautioning him against political actions that could provoke a military takeover in Nigeria.

Speaking to journalists on Monday after being barred by police from entering the PDP National Secretariat in Abuja, George expressed outrage over the heavy security lockdown that disrupted the party’s scheduled National Executive Committee (NEC) and Board of Trustees (BoT) meetings.

 “It’s strikingly annoying. This is our property. Was there any court order to say we will not hold our meeting in our office? What is going on? I was a young man in 1962 when it all started in the South West. We must avoid that madness,” George said, referencing the 1962 Western Region crisis that led to political unrest and military intervention in Nigeria's early post-independence years.

Drawing parallels between past political crises and current developments, he added:

 “You came to our office, surrounded by police because we want to have a meeting? You want to turn us into North Korea or turn this country to Russia? We will not allow it. Nigerians will not allow it.”

The police blockade at Wadata Plaza, the PDP’s national headquarters, saw officers barricading the entrance and preventing access to the NEC hall. Party leaders, staff, and BoT members were forced to relocate the BoT meeting to an alternative venue.

Chief George’s comments come amid deepening political tension within the PDP and concerns over the federal government’s approach to opposition activities. Observers warn that such displays of force could further erode democratic norms and spark instability if not carefully managed.