Presidency: Atiku Should not contest in 2027 but if he is desperate he should wait till 2031 – Bode George says

Former Deputy National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Bode George, has stated that former Vice President Atiku Abubakar must wait until 2031 if he intends to run for President again.

Abubakar, the PDP’s candidate in the 2023 general elections, was defeated by current President Bola Tinubu. In a statement on Wednesday, George emphasized that a southerner should hold the office of President and Commander in Chief from 2023 to 2031, citing the realities of the country, the PDP constitution, and the political landscape.

“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, a former military governor of Ondo State ,said.

“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.”