Chief Bode George, who was once the Deputy National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), says Atiku Abubakar should wait until 2031 to run for President again.
Atiku Abubakar, who was the PDP Presidential Candidate in the 2023 elections, lost to President Bola Tinubu.
George said on Wednesday that a person from the southern part of Nigeria should be President from 2023 to 2031. This is because it fits with the rules of our country and the PDP constitution.
“Even in 2027, Atiku will be 81 years old. It’s time for him to act like President Joe Biden and let younger people run for President,” George said.
George added, “I have no personal issues with Abubakar. He is my friend, but we need to be honest. I will be in my 80s by 2027, too. What would I be looking for in a public office at that age? The same should apply to Abubakar.”
George used the example of Joe Biden from America, who let Kamala Harris run for President. He believes Abubakar should step aside so that the PDP can have a southern candidate in 2027.
He also mentioned that the last President, Muhammadu Buhari, was from the North and served for eight years. George believes it’s not fair for the North to have the presidency again in 2027.
George said that the PDP Constitution in Section 7, Sub-section 3 (C) states that roles should rotate and be fair. This ensures justice and equality.
He advised, “If Abubakar is really eager to run again, he should wait until 2031. He will be 85 years old by then.” George stressed the importance of respecting the PDP Constitution.
George spoke about his loyalty to the PDP since 1998. He has held various roles, such as National Vice-Chairman (South-West), Deputy National Chairman, and is now on the Board of Trustees (BoT).
He said, “While I was working at Wadata Plaza, Abubakar was Vice President. We know and understand the rules of this party. We should not do anything that harms our party or country. In 2027, PDP must follow the rule of rotation. We need to find a southern candidate to replace the APC.”
George responded to a claim by Abubakar’s media adviser, Mr. Paul Ibe, who accused him of being a tribal bigot. George dismissed the claim, saying his best friend is a Fulani man, Admiral Murtala Nyako.
George mentioned his role as the Director-General of the Umaru Musa Yar’Adua Presidential Campaign for the 2007 elections. He said he has always supported Nigeria and the PDP without any tribal bias.
He advised all PDP members to respect the principles of zoning and rotation set by the party’s founders in 1998. These principles state that every eight years, elected and party roles should switch between the northern and southern parts of the country.
George concluded, “This is the rule I will always support.”