Ahead of the 2027 presidential election the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, is already in the deep of crisis. This is even as the former Deputy National Chairman of the party, Bode George, has blasted the former presidential candidate of the party in the 2023 general elections, Atiku Abubakar.
George stated vehemently that the former Vice President, must wait till 2031 if he wants to contest for President again.
Recall that Abubakar, who contested under PDP lost to the incumbent President Bola Tinubu.
But reacting to Atiku’s moves to be on the ballot in 2027 under PDP for the presidential election, George said Atiku has to wait.
In a statement on Wednesday, George said that a southerner must occupy the office of the President and Commander in Chief from 2023 to 2031.
According to him this is “because that is the reality of our country, PDP Constitution and our polity.”
“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,
According to the former military governor of Ondo State, the immediate past President Muhammadu Buhari, a northerner from Katsina State, just left office after ruling for eight years.
George, therefore, maintained that power at the federal level could not go to the North in 2027. This, he said is because “that is the reality of our country and our party’s constitution”.
“Section 7, Sub-section 3 (C) of the PDP Constitution stated that zoning and rotation must be maintained for justice, fairness and equity.
“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.”
Haven joined the party in 1998, George was elected National Vice -Chairman (South-West). He was later elected the Deputy- National Chairman and now, a member of the Board of Trustees (BoT). He is no doubt, one of the respected elders and credible voices of PDP.
Speaking on his conviction on PDP, he said: “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. This is because that party of strange bed fellows 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.
On being labelled as a tribal bigot by the media adviser to Atiku Abubakar, George described it as laughable.
Recall that Ibe had described George as a tribal bigot, over his position on power rotation.
Responding, George 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 detribalized 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.
source: Daily Post
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