Bode George has advised Atiku Abubakar against contesting for the presidency under the PDP in 2027, citing concerns about the party’s future and leadership direction.

Former PDP Deputy National Chairman, Chief Bode George asserts that if former Vice President Atiku Abubakar intends to run for presidency again, he will have to wait until 2031.

It should be noted that Abubakar, who was vying for the PDP Presidential candidacy during the 2023 general election, was defeated by incumbent President Bola Tinubu.

On Wednesday, George expressed that a President and Commander in Chief from the south should assume office between 2023 to 2031. He rationalized his stance by claiming it’s necessary due to our country’s state, PDP constitution and political system.

“At the age of 81 in the year 2027, it would be wise for Atiku to adopt President Joe Biden’s approach and encourage younger generations to contend for the highest political office.”

Although Alhaji Abubakar is my friend, I have no personal bias towards him. However, it is vital that the truth be acknowledged. With God’s Grace in 2027, I too will be aged in my eighties’.

As an octogenarian, what do I seek in a public office? And the same standard should hold true for Alhaji Abubakar.

When Joe Biden stepped aside for Kamala Harris to run in the November presidential election, it was observed by everyone.

George, a former military governor of Ondo State, stated that it would be indicative of statesmanship if Alhaji Abubakar followed suit in order for the PDP to nominate a southerner as their presidential candidate in 2027.

He stated that the former President Muhammadu Buhari, hailing from Katsina State in Northern Nigeria, recently concluded two terms spanning eight years as head of state.

In 2027, he asserted that transferring power to the North at a federal level would not be possible because it is “the reality of our country and our party’s constitution.”

According to George, for the sake of justice, fairness and equity, zoning and rotation are required as stipulated by Section 7 Sub-section 3 (C) in the PDP Constitution.

“In our party, this is the appropriate and rational action to take given the current political climate,” he remarked.

As a friend, party member and brother, my advice to Alhaji Abubakar is to exercise patience till 2031 when he will be aged 85 if he still has the urge to contest.

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“We must uphold the PDP Constitution as faithful members of the party. Justice should prevail. I became a part of PDP back in 1998 and have unwaveringly stayed with it ever since.”

The PDP leader revealed that he has held various high-ranking positions within the party, including National Vice-Chairman (South-West), Deputy-National Chairman and currently serves as a distinguished member of our Board of Trustees (BoT). He is regarded highly by all for his wise counsel and sound judgment.

According to him, he has not switched his allegiance to any other political party. During his stay at Wadata Plaza, Alhaji Abubakar was serving as the Vice President of Nigeria while he knew and understood each other’s values in this particular party.

“We must ensure that our party and country are not harmed. In 2027, adherence to the Turn-by-Turn Nigeria Limited principle is imperative for our party.”

To prevent APC from causing economic and political destruction to the country, PDP should seek a leader from South. As this party consists of individuals with conflicting interests, it’s imperative that they are replaced by someone who can unite and steer the nation towards progress.

He stated that Nigerians are anticipating our intervention in 2027, however, a person from the southern region must spearhead the endeavor.

Mr. Paul Ibe, Abubakar’s media adviser, referred to George as a tribal bigot due to his stance on power rotation which was deemed ridiculous by him.

When a report by one of Alhaji Abubakar’s media aides accused me of tribalism, I simply laughed it off. After all, my closest friend is the Fulani man Admiral Murtala Nyako.

Being the Director-General of Umaru Musa Yar’Adua’s Presidential Campaign Organization during the 2007 elections and having earned his trust, I deny any accusations of tribalism.

I have also diligently served in the military and my records are available for public review. However, politics can be a realm where individuals make baseless claims to tarnish one’s reputation. Nevertheless, it is crucial that honesty prevails – only offer what you would willingly receive from others.

He said, “Without reservation, I declare myself to be a Nigerian who transcends tribal affiliations and an unwavering supporter of the PDP. I hold no grudges or animosity towards Alhaji Abubakar or any other member of our party.”

George insisted that every member of the party must uphold and honor the long-standing values of zoning and rotation, which have been a part of our party since its establishment in 1998, regardless of whose interests may be impacted.

According to the principles, it is a requirement that every eight years both elective and party offices must rotate from the northern region to the southern region and vice versa.

He declared, “I will carry on advocating for that stance until the end of time!”