Former Deputy National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Bode George, has urged former Vice President Atiku Abubakar to hold off on his presidential ambitions until 2031.
George’s remarks came on Monday, followed by a formal statement on Wednesday where he insisted that power must not return to the North, where Atiku hails from, until 2031.
George argued that after former President Muhammadu Buhari’s eight-year term, it is only fair for the South to also complete an eight-year term before the presidency could revert to the North.
However, Atiku Abubakar’s media adviser, Paul Ibe, quickly dismissed George’s comments, labeling them “insensitive and premature.”
Ibe stressed that Atiku’s focus is currently on the nation’s immediate challenges, rather than his own political future.
He said; “We cannot afford to put the cart before the horse. At this point, Atiku Abubakar’s preoccupation is not 2027. His concern is about 2024.
“It is about 2025 and 2026 and beyond. His concern is about the plight of Nigerians who are literarily going through hell because of the failed trial-and-error policies of this administratio,” Ibe said.
George further expressed his concerns over Atiku’s ambition, stating that the former Vice President should consider stepping aside, similar to what U.S. President Joe Biden did for Kamala Harris.
He suggested that by 2027, when Atiku would be 81 years old, it would be time to let a younger generation take charge.
He stated “In our party, this is the right and logical thing to do in the present political circumstances. But if Alhaji Abubakar is desperate to contest again, I will advise him, as a friend, a party man and a brother, to wait till 2031. By then, he will be 85 years (old).”
“Even in 2027, Atiku will be 81 years and this is the time for him to embrace President Joe Biden’s concept of allowing the younger generation to run for the highest office in the land.
“I have nothing personal against Alhaji Abubakar. He is my friend but the truth must be told. By 2027, by God’s Grace, I will also be in my 80s. So, what am I looking for in public office as an octogenarian? The same principle should apply to Alhaji Abubakar.
“We all saw what American President, Joe Biden, did recently when he stepped down for Kamala Harris to contest the November presidential election.
“That is the hallmark of a statesman. Alhaji Abubakar should do the same so that in 2027, PDP will field a southerner as a presidential candidate.”
“Fair is fair. I joined the PDP in 1998 and I have remained in this party since. I have not defected to any other party. While I was in Wadata Plaza, Alhaji Abubakar was in the Villa as Vice President. So, we know ourselves and the two of us know the principles guiding this party.
“We should not do anything that will destroy our party and the country. In 2027, the concept of Turn-by-Turn Nigeria Limited must be strictly followed by our party.
“The PDP must look for a southerner to wrest power from the APC because that party of strange bedfellows wants to destroy this country, economically and politically.
“So, Nigerians are waiting for us to rescue them in 2027 but a southerner must lead the battle,” George said.
