Shelve 2027 ambition, allow younger people to run – Bode George tells Atiku

Feb 1, 2024

– By Reporter

A former Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Deputy National Chairman, Chief Olabode George, has appealed to former Vice President and presidential candidate of the party in the 2023 general elections, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, to shelve his 2027 presidential ambition and allow younger Nigerians to run. 

The elder statesman made the call in an interview on Arise Television on Thursday.

He said Atiku will be 81 years old in 2027

The PDP leader stated that rather than considering a 2027 presidential run, Atiku ought to act as the elder statesman in the room, training the younger members.

“My brother Atiku Abubakar will be 81 years old by 2027. He was 77 years old last year,” George stated. Younger Nigerians, who still possess the drive and intelligence to advance their nation, deserve more space than Atiku is giving them.

It would be ideal for Atiku to assume the role of the room’s larger than life relative or elder.

“I want to become a minister and I’m about to turn 80 years old. What would anybody carry me to do now?” For what purpose?

“Lead by example for the next generation and maintain our unwavering adherence to party conventions.”

“The PDP is the only party that is as deeply ingrained and patriotic in every way. I can’t urge anyone not to run in 2027, but our party has to be adamant that the South should continue to hold the president when the North’s eight-year term is up,” he stated.

In the meantime, George called the nation’s security state “horrendous and heartbreaking.”

He urged President Bola Tinubu to convene a gathering of ex-military officers to develop strategies for addressing the present security issues.