Chief Bode George, a former PDP Deputy National Chairman, has derisively urged 2023 presidential candidate Alhaji Atiku Abubakar to wait until 2031 for another shot at the presidency.
In a statement, George argued that a Southerner must occupy the presidency from 2023 to 2031, reflecting the party’s constitution and the nation’s political reality.
George noted that by 2027, Atiku will be 81 years old and should follow the example of U.S. President Joe Biden, stepping aside for the younger generation.
He said, “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.”
He further argued that with Buhari, a Northerner, recently completing his term, power must shift to the South in 2027 to uphold justice, fairness, and equity as mandated by the PDP Constitution.
“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.”
George also responded to accusations of tribalism, affirming his commitment to the principles of zoning and rotation within the party, saying, “I can boldly say that I am a detribalised Nigerian and a committed irredentist member of the PDP. I don’t harbour any disdain or hate for Alhaji Abubakar or any other PDP member. I expect every member of the party to embrace and respect the entrenched principles of zoning and rotation.”
