On Monday, Chief Bode George, former Deputy National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), stated that ex-Vice President Atiku Abubakar should wait until 2031 if he wishes to pursue the presidency again. George argued that after the eight-year tenure of ex-President Muhammadu Buhari, it is essential for the South to complete another eight years before power can return to the North in 2031.
In response, Atiku’s media adviser, Paul Ibe, criticized George’s comments as premature, emphasizing that Atiku’s current focus is on addressing immediate concerns and the state of the nation rather than planning for 2027. Ibe stated that Atiku is concerned about the current administration’s policies and their impact on Nigerians.
George also suggested that Atiku, who would be 81 in 2027, should consider stepping aside for younger leaders, following the example of U.S. President Joe Biden. He stressed the importance of adhering to PDP’s principles and ensuring a fair power rotation, advocating for a southern presidential candidate in 2027 to challenge the APC.
