A former Deputy National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Bode George, has outlined reasons former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, should not contest the 2027 presidential election.
The elder statesman, in a statement on Wednesday, submitted that it is not yet the turn of the north according to the constitutions of Nigeria and the PDP, which support rotational leadership.
He also called on Atiku to emulate the United States President, Joe Biden by stepping down from the presidential race and allow the younger ones take charge.
The PDP stalwart added that he has nothing personal against Atiku, but based on the reality of Nigeria’s polity, the former Vice President should wait till 2031 if he wants to contest for the presidency again.
The former Ondo State Governor also stated that the PDP needs a southerner to dislodge the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2027 elections.
“Even in 2027, Atiku will be 81 years and this is the time for him to embrace the President Joe Biden concept of allowing the younger generation to run for the highest office in the land.
“I have nothing personal against Alhaji Abubakar. He is 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.
“We all saw what American President, Joe Biden, did recently when he stepped down for Kamala Harris to contest the November presidential election.
“That is the hallmark of a statesman. Alhaji Abubakar should do same so that in 2027, PDP will field a southerner as presidential candidate,” George said in his statement.
The PDP Board of Trustee member noted that based on Section 7, Sub-section 3 (C) of the party Constitution, zoning and rotation must be maintained for justice, fairness and equity.
He submitted that it would be an injustice for another northerner to become the President of Nigeria in 2027, with the immediate past President, Muhammadu Buhari, a northerner from Katsina State, just leaving office after ruling for eight years.
In his words, “In our party, this is the right and logical thing to do in the present political circumstances.
“But if Alhaji Abubakar is desperate to contest again, I will advise him as a friend, a party man and brother to wait till 2031. By then, he will be 85 years.
“As loyal party members, we must continue to respect PDP Constitution. Fair is fair. I joined the PDP in 1998 and I have remained in this party since.”
He added that: “I have not defected to any other party. While I was in Wadata Plaza, Alhaji Abubakar was in the Villa as Vice President. So, we know ourselves and the two of us know the principles guiding this party.
“We should not do anything that will destroy our party and the country. In 2027, the concept of Turn-by-Turn Nigeria Limited must be strictly followed by our party.
“PDP must look for a southerner to wrest power from the APC because that party of strange bed fellows wants to destroy this country, economically and politically.
“So, Nigerians are waiting for us to rescue them in 2027 but a southerner must lead the battle.”
George, in his statement, also refuted a report by Atiku’s media aide, Paul Ibe, calling him (George) a tribal bigot, over his position on power rotation.
According to him, he is a detribalized Nigerian who won’t dviate from saying the truth.
“I read a report by one of Alhaji Abubakar’s media aides accusing me of tribalism, I just laughed. My best friend today is a Fulani man, Admiral Murtala Nyako.
“I was the Director-General of the Umaru Musa Yar’Adua Presidential Campaign Organisation for the 2007 elections. The late president trusted me. So, I cannot be accused of being tribalistic.
“I also served the military well. My records are there for all to see. But, you know in politics, people can say anything to tarnish your image. Despite that, the truth must be told. What you will not accept, don’t give to others.
“I can boldly say that I am a detribalised Nigerian and a committed member of the PDP. I don’t harbour any disdain or hate for Alhaji Abubakar or any other PDP member,” he said.
George urged every member of the party to “embrace and respect the entrenched principles of zoning and rotation, bestowed on the party by our founding fathers since inception in 1998,” no matter whose ox is gored.
“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 will continue to champion till thy kingdom come!,” he said.
