The ongoing exchange between former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar and former Deputy National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Olabode George, continued on Wednesday as Bode George urged Atiku to wait until 2031 if he intends to run for office again.
The spat began when George remarked that the government would have collapsed if Atiku had won the 2023 elections.
In response, Atiku, through his spokesman Paul Ibe, countered that Nigeria would have thrived under his leadership.
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On Wednesday, George reiterated his stance, advising Atiku to wait until 2031 if he wishes to contest again.
He insisted that a Southerner should hold the presidency for eight years, following the North’s uninterrupted eight-year tenure.
He emphasized, “This is the reality of our country, the PDP Constitution, and our polity.”
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George, who served as the Military Governor of Ondo State from 1987 to 1990, also pointed out that Atiku would be 81 years old by 2027, suggesting that it’s time for him to adopt the “President Joe Biden approach” and allow younger generations to run for the highest office.
George further expressed that all party members should uphold and respect the established principles of zoning and rotation, which have been foundational to the party since its inception in 1998.
He warned against actions that could jeopardize the party or the country, stating that Nigerians are looking to the PDP for leadership in 2027, but a Southerner must be the one to lead the charge.
“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 bedfellows wants to destroy this country, economically and politically.”
“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 presidential candidate.
“Aside from that, General Buhari, a Northerner from Katsina State, just left office after eight years. Alhaji Abubakar is also a Northerner from Adamawa State. So, power cannot go to the North in 2027. That is the reality of our country and our party’s Constitution. Section 7, Sub-section 3 (C) says zoning and rotation must be maintained for justice, fairness and equity. 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 old.
“As loyal party members, we must continue to respect the PDP Constitution. Fair is fair. I joined the PDP in 1998 and I have remained in this party since. I was elected National Vice Chairman (South-West) and later Deputy National Chairman. Today, I am a member of the Board of Trustees (BoT) and one of the respected elders and credible voices of our party. 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.
“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.”
[…] Source: informantonline […]