Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has slammed Bode George, a former deputy national chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), for claiming that Nigeria would have collapsed if he won the presidency in 2023.
In a statement on social media, Atiku’s media aide, Paul Ibe, described George’s comments as “imprudent talk” and highlighted the benefits of an Atiku presidency.
Ibe stated that Atiku’s leadership would have brought prosperity, merit-based appointments, and safeguarded Nigeria’s interests, unlike the current administration’s “bigotry and nepotism.”
Ibe also criticized George for his silence on the present administration’s performance, suggesting that his reticence might be due to Atiku’s non-southern origin.
His words: “Contrary to Chief Bode George’s imprudent talk, an @atiku presidency would have heralded an era of prosperity, driven by a cabinet brimming with seasoned and adept individuals, chosen solely on merit regardless of their background or beliefs.
“Such leadership would have safeguarded Nigeria’s interests, steering clear of the bigotry and nepotism and brigandage that characterizes this administration. Instead of the current state of disarray, driven by haphazard policies, Nigeria would have thrived under Atiku’s guidance.
“In contrast, we see Bode George, who once threatened exile, should Tinubu ascend to power, now oddly silent about the present administration. Is Bode’s reticence because Atiku is not from his region? It is prudent to consider Bode’s opinions with caution.
“Furthermore, Bode’s conduct is a disservice to the military, an institution esteemed for its unity. Here is a Commodore who, paradoxically, embraces tribalism and undermines the very principles of the military. It is a source of shame for the armed forces to have such a figure in their ranks.”
George had earlier stated on Arise TV’s “The Morning Show” that Nigeria would have experienced upheaval if Atiku, a northerner, had succeeded Muhammadu Buhari, another northerner.
He claimed that Nigerians would not have accepted this scenario, citing the party’s zoning arrangement as the root of the problem.
“If Atiku had won — I would have stayed in my house because I knew that for real in the future he would collapse. This country would never accept,” he said.
He added, “If he had won that election, you think this country would have been stable? Because somebody from the north (Buhari) had just finished eight years and our own norm is that after the eight years, the presidential candidate must come to the south.”
The PDP chieftain alleged that the party’s zoning arrangement was manipulated to favour Atiku, leading to the current issues.