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 intends to run for the presidency again.
George stated that Atiku, who will be 81 years old in 2027, should consider stepping aside to allow younger candidates from the South to contest for the highest office in Nigeria.
George, who has been a stalwart of the PDP since its inception in 1998, made his position clear in a press statement on Wednesday.
He argued that the principles of zoning and rotation enshrined in the PDP Constitution must be respected to ensure fairness and equity within the party and the nation.
“I have nothing personal against Alhaji Abubakar. He’s 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,” George stated.
He made reference top the example set by U.S. President Joe Biden, who is expected to step aside for Vice President Kamala Harris to lead the Democratic Party in the upcoming elections.
George urged Atiku to follow a similar path, allowing a Southerner to emerge as the PDP’s presidential candidate in 2027.
“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,” George explained.
He also referenced Section 7, Sub-section 3(C) of the PDP Constitution, which mandates zoning and rotation to maintain justice, fairness, and equity.
George stressed the importance of adhering to these principles to prevent internal divisions and to present a united front against the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the next general elections.
“If Alhaji Abubakar is desperate to contest again, I’ll advise him as a friend, a party man, and brother to wait till 2031. By then, he’ll be 85 years old,” George suggested.
He concluded by calling on all members of the PDP to respect the party’s founding principles of zoning and rotation, which have been in place since 1998.
He asserted that these principles are vital for maintaining unity and ensuring that power is fairly distributed across the country.
“The principles explicitly stipulate that, at the end of every eight years, all elective and party offices should change from the Northern divide to the Southern divide, and vice versa. That is the position which I’ll continue to champion till thy kingdom comes!” George affirmed.