Former Deputy National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Bode George, has stated that former Vice President Atiku Abubakar should wait until 2031 if he intends to run for President again.
Abubakar, who was the PDP’s Presidential Candidate in the 2023 general elections, was defeated by Bola Tinubu.
In a statement released on Wednesday, George emphasized that a Southerner must hold the office of the President and Commander in Chief from 2023 to 2031, citing this as a reflection of the country’s reality, the PDP’s constitution, and the broader political landscape.
“Even in 2027, Atiku will be 81 years and this is the time for him to embrace the President Joe Biden 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 same so that in 2027, PDP will field a southerner as presidential candidate,” George, a former military governor of Ondo State, said.
He pointed out that the immediate past President, Muhammadu Buhari, a northerner from Katsina State, recently concluded his eight-year tenure.
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He emphasized that power could not return to the North at the federal level in 2027, citing “the reality of our country and our party’s constitution.”
George highlighted that Section 7, Sub-section 3(C) of the PDP Constitution mandates the maintenance of zoning and rotation to ensure justice, fairness, and equity.
He added: “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 brother to wait till 2031. By then, he will be 85 years.
“As loyal party members, we must continue to respect PDP Constitution. Fair is fair. I joined the PDP in 1998 and I have remained in this party since.”
The PDP chieftain stated that he was elected as the National Vice-Chairman (South-West), subsequently served as the Deputy National Chairman, and is now a member of the Board of Trustees (BoT), recognized as one of the party’s respected elders and credible voices.
He said: “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.
“PDP must look for a southerner to wrest power from the APC because that party of strange bed fellows 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,” he said.
George described as laughable, a report by Abubakar’s media adviser, Mr Paul Ibe, calling him (George) a tribal bigot, over his position on power rotation.
“I read a report by one of Alhaji Abubakar’s media aides accusing me of tribalism, I just laughed. My best friend today is a Fulani man, Admiral Murtala Nyako.
“I was the Director-General of the Umaru Musa Yar’Adua Presidential Campaign Organisation for the 2007 elections. The late president trusted me. So, I cannot be accused of being tribalistic.
“I also served the military well. My records are there for all to see. But, you know in politics, people can say anything to tarnish your image. Despite that, the truth must be told. What you will not accept, don’t give to others.
“I can boldly say that I am a detribalised Nigerian and a committed member of the PDP. I don’t harbour any disdain or hate for Alhaji Abubakar or any other PDP member,” he said.
George urged every party member to uphold and honor the established principles of zoning and rotation, which have been a cornerstone of the party since its founding in 1998, regardless of personal consequences.
“The principles explicitly stipulate that, at the end of every eight years, all elective and party offices should change from the northern divide to the southern divide and vice versa.
“That is the position which I will continue to champion till thy kingdom come!” he said.
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