The dispute between former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar and Chief Olabode George intensified on Wednesday, with George advising Atiku to postpone his presidential ambitions until 2031. This advice follows a heated exchange where George suggested that the government might have collapsed if Atiku had won the 2023 elections, a claim countered by Atiku’s spokesman, Paul Ibe, who argued that Nigeria would have thrived under Atiku’s leadership.
George asserted that the presidency should be held by a Southerner for the next eight years, following the North’s completion of an uninterrupted eight-year term. “This reflects our country’s reality, PDP Constitution, and our political landscape,” George stated. He also noted Atiku’s age, suggesting he take a cue from U.S. President Joe Biden, who has allowed younger leaders to rise.
As a former Military Governor of Ondo State, George emphasized the need for the PDP to adhere to its zoning and rotation principles to ensure justice and equity. “Nigerians expect the PDP to lead in 2027, but a Southerner must be at the helm,” he said, warning against actions that could lead to the party’s downfall and national instability.
George clarified that his stance is not driven by personal animosity toward Atiku but by a commitment to the PDP Constitution and the principle of zoning. He urged Atiku to reconsider his 2027 bid, emphasizing that fairness requires power to shift to the South. George also dismissed accusations of tribalism, citing his broad cross-ethnic alliances and commitment to the principles guiding his political career.