Chief Bode George, former Deputy National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has suggested to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar that he should delay any further presidential aspirations until 2031.
George’s advice is grounded in the PDP constitution and the current political landscape of Nigeria, which, he argues, necessitates a southern president from 2023 to 2031. He also pointed out Atiku’s advancing age, which will make him 81 by 2027, and advised him to consider following President Joe Biden’s example by making way for younger leaders.
Highlighting Section 7, Sub-section 3(C) of the PDP Constitution, George stressed the significance of zoning and rotation principles to ensure justice and equity. According to him, power should not shift back to the North in 2027 after President Muhammadu Buhari’s two-term presidency.
George stated, “In our party, this is the right and logical thing to do in the present political circumstances. But if Alhaji Abubakar is set on running again, I would advise him as a friend and party member to wait until 2031. By then, he will be 85 years old.”
He concluded by reaffirming his commitment to the PDP and its values since joining the party in 1998, underscoring the importance of respecting the party’s constitution and principles.