In a direct appeal to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Chief Bode George, a senior member and former Deputy National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has called for an end to Atiku’s decades-long pursuit of the Nigerian presidency.
Speaking to PUNCH from his Ikoyi office in Lagos on Thursday, George emphasized the need for the 77-year-old politician to step aside and let younger leaders take charge.
Atiku’s presidential aspirations date back to 1993. George pointed out that if Atiku were to contest in 2027, he would be 81 years old.
“To Atiku, my advice is this, you will be 81 years old in 2027, and you have been contesting for the presidency since 1993. This is the time for you to calm down and act like an elder. I appeal to you in the name of the Almighty Allah, that you serve, to take it easy and leave everything for posterity,” George said.
George also criticized ongoing internal conflicts within the PDP, attributing the party’s instability to selfish ambitions and divisive behavior. He warned that the party risked disintegration if personal interests continued to override collective goals.
“We are where we are today because of a self-inflicted crisis. Elders of the party must intervene and discourage actions driven by arrogance and personal gains,” he said.
Addressing specific issues, George referred to the growing tensions between Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, who now serves as the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory. George cautioned Wike to “cool off” and cease actions perceived as undermining Fubara’s administration.
“You are my political son,” George said to Wike, urging reconciliation for the party’s stability.
