Former Deputy National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, Chief Bode George, has spoken about Atiku Abubakar’s plan to become the PDP flagbearer in the 2027 election.

In a statement released on Wednesday, August 28, 2024, George noted that the reality of the PDP constitution states that a southerner must occupy the office of the President and Commander in Chief from 2023 to 2031.

He wrote, “Even in 2027, Atiku will be 81 years old, 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 the same so that in 2027, PDP will field a southerner as the presidential candidate,” George, a former military governor of Ondo State, said.

The PDP Chieftain explained that because former President Muhammadu Buhari, a northerner from Kastina State, ruled for eight years, it was only logical that power cannot go to the North again in 2027.

He cited Section 7, Sub-section 3(C) of the PDP Constitution, which stated that zoning and rotation must be maintained for justice, fairness, and equity.

George 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 a brother to wait until 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.”

“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 bedfellows 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,” he said.

In response to Atiku’s media adviser, Paul Ibe, describing him as a tribal bigot over his position on power rotation, Bode George calls the report laughable, hinting that his best friend is a Fulani man.

He further said, “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 Organization 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.