Former Deputy National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Bode George, has stated that ex-Vice President Atiku Abubakar should wait until 2031 if he intends to run for President again, emphasizing that power should not return to the North until then.
In a statement on Wednesday, George argued that after former President Muhammadu Buhari’s eight-year tenure, a southern leader must also complete an eight-year term, in line with what he called the “reality of our country” and the PDP’s constitution.
He suggested that Atiku should follow the example of U.S. President Joe Biden, who allowed a younger candidate, Kamala Harris, to run.
In response, Atiku’s media adviser, Paul Ibe, criticized George’s comments as premature and insensitive, stating that Atiku’s current focus is not on the 2027 election but on addressing the “plight of Nigerians” amid the current administration’s policies.
Recent reports have indicated that Atiku and other northern leaders are strategizing to regain power in 2027, but George insists the PDP should nominate a southern candidate to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and uphold fairness and respect for party principles.
