- Safiu Kehinde
Former Deputy National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Bode George, has advised the party’s 2023 Presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, to wait till 2031 before reigniting his presidential ambition.
The PDP Chieftain made this disclosure in a statement earlier today, stressing that a southerner must occupy the office from 2023 to 2031.
This, according to Bode George, is in line with PDP’s law on zoning and rotation.
While admitting he had no issues with Atiku, he, however, said that power cannot go to the North for the time being, considering the fact that Muhammadu Buhari had just recently stepped down after eight years in power.
George disclosed that Section 7, Sub-section 3 (C) of the PDP Constitution stated that zoning and rotation must be maintained for justice, fairness, and equity.
“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 old.
“As loyal party members, we must continue to respect the PDP Constitution. Fair is fair. I joined the PDP in 1998 and I have remained in this party since.” He said.
Prior to this, Bode George admonished Atiku to emulate US President, Joe Biden, who stepped down for his Vice President, Kamala Harris, ahead of the forthcoming US Election.
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“Even in 2027, Atiku will be 81 years and this is the time for him to embrace President Joe Biden’s 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 the same so that in 2027, PDP will field a southerner as a presidential candidate,” George had said.