Chief Bode George, a former Deputy National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has advised former Vice President Atiku Abubakar to wait until 2031 if he wishes to run for President again.
George argues that the party’s constitution and the current political climate require a shift in focus to a southern candidate for the 2027 presidential elections.
Atiku who was the PDP‘s presidential candidate in the 2023 elections, lost to the incumbent President Bola Tinubu.
The defeat has led to speculation about whether Atiku might seek the presidency again in 2027. However, Bode George believes that such a move would be contrary to both the PDP’s zoning principles and national expectations.
In a statement released on Wednesday, Bode George emphasized that the PDP’s constitution mandates a rotation of power between the North and the South to ensure fairness and equity.
He pointed out that, following the end of President Muhammadu Buhari’s tenure, which marked eight years of northern leadership, it is now time for a southerner to occupy the presidency.
“Even in 2027, Atiku will be 81 years old. It is time for him to embrace the concept of allowing younger generations to lead,” George stated. He referenced U.S. President Joe Biden’s decision to potentially step aside for a younger leader, suggesting that similar principles should apply in Nigeria.
George underscored that the PDP’s constitution explicitly supports the principles of zoning and rotation to ensure justice and equity. He referred to Section 7, Sub-section 3 (C) of the PDP Constitution, which enforces this principle.
“We must adhere to these principles to prevent any potential damage to our party and the country,” George said. He noted that, in 2027, the PDP should nominate a southern candidate to challenge the All Progressives Congress (APC) and address what he described as the economic and political mismanagement by the current ruling party.
George addressed criticisms from Atiku’s media team, which labeled him as a tribal bigot. George dismissed these accusations, stating that they were baseless. He defended his stance by highlighting his long-standing commitment to the PDP and
his relationships with members of different ethnic groups.
“I am not a tribal bigot. My closest friends include people from various backgrounds, and my service to the party and the country speaks for itself,” George asserted. He added that the principles of zoning and rotation should be upheld regardless of individual ambitions.
George called on all PDP members to respect the party’s founding principles, which have guided its operations since 1998. He emphasized that adhering to these principles is crucial for maintaining the party’s integrity and effectiveness.
“The principles of zoning and rotation are not just formalities; they are essential to ensuring fairness in our political process,” George said. He urged the party to focus on finding a capable southern candidate for the 2027 elections, in line with these principles.
