CurrentReport Blog In a recent statement, Chief Bode George, former Deputy National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has called on former Vice President Atiku Abubakar to wait until 2031 if he intends to contest for the presidency again. George stressed the importance of adhering to the principle of power rotation, which he claims is crucial for maintaining justice, fairness, and equity within Nigeria’s political landscape and the PDP.
Atiku Abubakar, who was the PDP’s presidential candidate in the 2023 general elections, lost to the current President, Bola Tinubu. George emphasized that a southerner should occupy the presidency from 2023 to 2031, aligning with both the reality of Nigeria’s political structure and the PDP’s constitution.
Reflecting on the age factor, George pointed out that Atiku would be 81 years old by the 2027 elections and suggested that it is time for him to embrace the “Joe Biden concept” of allowing the younger generation to lead. George, who will also be in his 80s by 2027, stated that public office should not be the pursuit of octogenarians, hinting that Atiku should consider stepping aside for younger leaders within the party.
George drew parallels to American President Joe Biden’s decision to step down in favor of Kamala Harris, highlighting it as a hallmark of statesmanship. He suggested that Atiku should do the same, allowing the PDP to field a southern candidate in 2027.
The PDP elder also referenced the party’s constitution, particularly Section 7, Sub-section 3 (C), which mandates zoning and rotation to uphold justice and fairness. George urged the party to respect these principles, arguing that power should not return to the North in 2027 after the eight-year tenure of the former President Muhammadu Buhari, a northerner.
In response to criticism from Atiku’s media adviser, Paul Ibe, who labeled George a tribal bigot, George dismissed the accusation, reaffirming his commitment to a united Nigeria and a fair political process. He reiterated that his stance is not personal against Atiku but rather a reflection of the need for adherence to the party’s founding principles.
George concluded by urging all PDP members to respect the principles of zoning and rotation, which have been a cornerstone of the party since its inception in 1998. He emphasized that these principles ensure a balanced distribution of power and prevent any region from being marginalized in the country’s governance.
