Ex-vice President Atiku Abubakar has replied to criticism from former national chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Bode George, by suggesting that George should turn his attention to advising President Bola Tinubu on reassessing policies that have exacerbated poverty and divisions in Nigeria rather than focusing on the 2027 elections.
George stated that a Southerner should occupy the presidency from 2023 to 2031, citing the PDP constitution and political realities.
He also mentioned that by 2027, Abubakar would be 81 years old and should follow the example of President Joe Biden, who has encouraged younger candidates to seek high office.
But reacting to Bode George’s statement Atiku through his media adviser Paul Ibe, emphasised that his focus is not on 2027 but on addressing current issues affecting Nigerians.
“We cannot afford to put the cart before the horse. At this point, Atiku Abubakar’s preoccupation is not 2027. His concern is about 2024.
“It is about 2025 and 2026 and beyond. His concern is about the plight of Nigerians who are literally going through hell because of the failed trial-and-error policies of this administration,” Ibe stated.
Ibe criticised George for discussing 2027 while Nigeria is grappling with severe economic hardships under the current administration.
“It is insensitive to be talking about 2027 now when the 2023 mandate has not yielded any tangible benefits for Nigerians, who are now far worse off in every facet of life,” Ibe said.
He further urged George to focus on counselling President Tinubu to reconsider policies that have worsened the economic situation and deepened societal divisions, adding, “Bode George himself should also turn his attention to counselling Tinubu to reassess some of his ill-advised policies that have deepened poverty and divisions in our country instead of prioritising the politics of 2027.”