Chief Bode George, former Deputy National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has advised former Vice President Alhaji Atiku Abubakar to step aside for a younger candidate in the 2027 presidential election. George suggests that Atiku follow the example of U.S. President Joe Biden, who has allowed the younger generation to take leadership roles.
In a statement on August 28, 2024, George argued that by 2027, Atiku will be 81 years old, and he should, like Biden, give younger politicians the opportunity to lead. George emphasized that both he and Atiku would be in their 80s by then, making it a suitable time for them to step back from public office.
George also indicated that if Atiku remains eager to lead Nigeria, he should wait until 2031, when power is expected to shift back to the North after the South completes its turn in accordance with political conventions. He urged the PDP to select a young candidate from the South to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and avoid potential internal party conflicts.
Atiku’s media adviser, Paul Ibe, responded by condemning George’s comments as insensitive and premature. Ibe stated that Atiku is focused on addressing current issues affecting Nigerians due to what he described as the failed policies of President Bola Tinubu’s administration, rather than planning for the 2027 election