Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has vigorously responded to Bode George, the ex-deputy national chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), who suggested that Nigeria would have faced serious turmoil had Atiku won the presidency in the 2023 elections.
In a pointed social media statement, Paul Ibe, Atiku’s media spokesperson, dismissed George’s remarks as “reckless rhetoric” and underscored the positive outcomes an Atiku administration would have delivered.
Ibe emphasized that Atiku’s presidency would have ushered in an era of economic growth, equitable appointments based on merit, and a commitment to protecting Nigeria’s interests, contrasting sharply with the current government’s alleged “favoritism and tribalism.”
He further called out George for his apparent silence regarding the present administration’s shortcomings, hinting that this could stem from Atiku’s non-affiliation with the southern region.
Ibe articulated, “In stark opposition to Chief Bode George’s misguided assertions, an @atiku presidency would have marked the beginning of a prosperous Nigeria, led by a competent cabinet selected solely for their expertise, transcending tribal lines.”
“This leadership would have prioritized Nigeria’s welfare, avoiding the bias and favoritism that have become hallmarks of the current regime. Rather than the prevailing chaos fueled by erratic policies, Nigeria would have flourished under Atiku’s stewardship.”
He continued, “It’s interesting to note Bode George’s past threats of exile should Tinubu come to power, yet he now remains disturbingly quiet about the current administration. Is this silence due to Atiku not hailing from his region? We must approach Bode’s views with skepticism.”
Ibe also criticized George’s behavior as disrespectful to the military, an institution revered for its unity. He pointed out, “Here we have a Commodore who paradoxically espouses tribalism while undermining the fundamental ethos of the armed forces. It’s disheartening for the military to have such a figure among their ranks.”
In response to this, George had previously stated that Nigeria would have been in turmoil if Atiku, a northerner, had succeeded Muhammadu Buhari, another northerner.
He argued that the nation would not have accepted such a scenario, referring to the party’s zoning arrangement as a core issue.
George remarked, “Had Atiku won, I would have remained at home, fully aware that his presidency would lead to collapse. This country would not have been stable, as we have just completed eight years with a northern president, and our tradition dictates that after such a term, the presidency should return to the south.”
He further accused the PDP’s leadership of manipulating the zoning arrangement to favor Atiku, contributing to the current challenges facing the party.
