A former Deputy National Chairman of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Bode George, has urged former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar to embrace President Joe Biden of the United States of America’s concept of allowing the younger generation to run for the highest office in the land.
Bode George in a statement issued on Wednesday, said that Atiku has to wait till 2031 if he wants to contest again, saying he believes that a Southerner must occupy the office of the Commander in Chief from 2023 to 2031 because that is the reality in the country, PDP Constitution and polity.
He said that even in 2027, Atiku will be 81 years old and should consider supporting the younger generation like President Biden.
“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 the same so that in 2027, the PDP will field a Southerner as a presidential candidate.
“Besides that, General Buhari, a Northerner from Katsina State, left office after eight years. Alhaji Abubakar is also a Northerner from Adamawa State. So, power cannot go to the North in 2027. That is the reality of our country and our party’s Constitution.
“Section 7, Sub-section 3 (C) says 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 old.
“As loyal party members, we must continue to respect the PDP Constitution. Fair is fair. I joined the PDP in 1998 and I have remained in this party since.
“I was elected National Vice Chairman (South-West) and later Deputy National Chairman. Today, I am a member of the Board of Trustees (BoT) and one of the respected elders and credible voices of our party.
“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 because that party of strange bedfellows 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. 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 Organisation 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 detribalised Nigerian and a committed irredentist member of the PDP. I don’t harbour any disdain or hate for Alhaji Abubakar or any other PDP member.
“I expect every member of the party to embrace and respect the entrenched principles of zoning and rotation, bestowed on the party by our founding fathers since its inception in 1998, no matter whose ox is gored.
“The principles explicitly stipulate that, at the end of every eight years, all elective and party offices should change from the Northern divide to the Southern divide, and vice versa. That is the position which I will continue to champion till thy kingdom come.”