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- I'm more preoccupied with Nigerians plights, ex-VP replies
A former Deputy National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Bode George, has advised former Vice President Atiku Abubakar to abandon any thoughts of contesting the 2027 presidential election.
George suggested that Atiku should adopt a "Joe Biden approach" by stepping aside for a younger candidate, who must be from the southern part of the country to ensure the south completes its eight years before power returns to the north.
But in a swift response, Atiku, through his media adviser, Paul Ibe, dismissed the suggestion, stating that his focus is on addressing the current challenges facing Nigerians, not on future elections.
"It is insensitive to be talking about 2027 now, when the 2023 mandate has not yielded any tangible benefits to Nigerians, who are now far worse off in every facet of life," Ibe said.
Ibe added that Bode George should redirect his attention toward advising President Tinubu to reassess policies that have deepened poverty and divisions in the country, rather than focusing on the 2027 election.
"Bode George himself should also turn his attention to counselling Tinubu to reassess some of his ill-advised policies that have deepened poverty and divisions in our country instead of prioritising the politics of 2027," he stated.
George, in the statement issued on Wednesday, had earlier blamed Atiku for the crisis within the PDP, attributing it to his decision to contest the last election after Muhammadu Buhari's eight years in office.
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George insisted that a southerner must occupy the presidency from 2023 to 2031, citing the reality of Nigeria's political landscape and the PDP constitution.
"In 2027, Atiku will be 81 years old. This is the time for him to embrace the Joe Biden concept of allowing the younger generation to run for the highest office in the land," George said, adding, "I have nothing personal against Atiku Abubakar. He is my friend, but the truth must be told."
Drawing a parallel to American President Joe Biden, George noted that Biden recently stepped down for Kamala Harris to contest the November presidential election, which he described as the hallmark of a statesman. "Alhaji Abubakar should do the same so that in 2027, the PDP will field a southerner as the presidential candidate," George suggested.
He also asserted that the presidency cannot return to the North in 2027 after Buhari's tenure and advised Atiku to wait until 2031 to run again. "But if Atiku Abubakar is desperate to contest again, I will advise him as a friend, a party man, and a brother to wait till 2031. By then, he will be 85 years old," George stated.
George emphasized the importance of respecting the PDP constitution and maintaining fairness within the party. "We should not do anything that will destroy our party and the country," he warned.
