President Bola Tinubu has revealed that he personally appealed to Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftain, Chief Bode George, not to proceed with his threat to go on exile if Tinubu emerged victorious in the 2023 presidential election.

Tinubu made the remarks in a message delivered at George’s 80th birthday celebration and memoir presentation, held on Friday. The President was represented at the event by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume.

The disclosure was contained in a statement issued by Yomi Odunuga, Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the SGF.

Recounting the tense political atmosphere ahead of the 2023 polls, Tinubu recalled, with humour, George’s widely publicised vow to leave Nigeria should he become president.

“I pleaded with him to have a change of heart because we would all remain in Nigeria and work together to build the peaceful and prosperous nation of our dreams,” the President said.

Tinubu described George’s invitation to him as symbolic of “the Nigerian and Lagos spirit, our shared humanity, history, kindred spirit and good neighbourliness.”

He reiterated his belief in Nigeria’s unshakeable unity, stressing that the nation’s underlying values are stronger than any political disagreement.

“The event of today has again demonstrated that as politicians, we can shout and disagree. Still, the values that bind us together as members of the same household living in different rooms remain stronger than what divides us,” he said.

The President acknowledged that although he and George had often been on opposing political sides since 1999, their political differences had never diminished the mutual respect between them.

“Since assuming office, Chief George has offered valuable counsel through his public interventions on national issues,” he added.

Tinubu described George’s journey to 80 as a testament to divine grace, resilience and decades of service. He commended the memoir launched at the event, noting that it captures the statesman’s early life in Lagos, naval career, tenure as military governor of old Ondo State, leadership at the Nigerian Ports Authority, and contributions to party politics.

He urged guests to support the publication by purchasing copies for personal use and for public institutions, expressing confidence that the book offers “invaluable lessons on leadership, public service, party politics, and military doctrine.”

Tinubu concluded by wishing Chief George good health, strength and many more years of service to God and humanity.

Chief Bode George, in the build-up to the 2023 elections, had repeatedly declared that he would leave Nigeria if Tinubu emerged president.

“Look at all the elections they (INEC) have done. Look at what happened in Osun. The results showed the will of the people. If they allow the result to be streamed electronically, there is no way he (Tinubu) would win. But if the people keep saying he is the man they want, I have no qualms. I will go and live anywhere I want to live,” he said in one instance.