A former Deputy National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Bode George, on Wednesday told former Vice President Atiku Abubakar to drop his 2027 presidential ambition.
In a statement in Lagos, the former chairman of the Nigeria Ports Authority (NPA) said Atiku must wait till 2031 if he wants to contest for president again.
The former vice president said in June he would continue to vie for the country’s highest political office if his health permits him.
A few days later, Atiku told journalists he would support the former Anambra State governor, Peter Obi, if PDP picks him as its presidential candidate in the next general election.
George said: “A southerner must occupy the office of the President and Commander in Chief from 2023 to 2031 because that is the reality of our country, PDP constitution, and our polity.
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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.”
He recalled that former President Muhammadu Buhari, a northerner from Katsina State, left office in May 2023 after ruling the country for eight years.
The former Ondo State military governor noted that Section 7, Sub-section 3 (C) of the PDP Constitution stated that zoning and rotation must be maintained for justice, fairness, and equity.
He added: “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 the PDP Constitution. Fair is fair. I joined the PDP in 1998 and I have remained in this party since.”
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