Timi Frank, the former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has delivered a fierce rebuttal to Chief Olabode George, the former Deputy National Chairman (South) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), regarding his recent remarks about Atiku Abubakar’s political ambitions.
Frank boldly declared that no opposition from George or anyone else could thwart Atiku’s path to the presidency if it is divinely ordained.
His comments came in response to George’s suggestion that Atiku should postpone his presidential aspirations until 2031, anticipating that the PDP might nominate a southern candidate for the 2027 elections.
Frank brushed aside George’s advice, accusing him of overstepping his authority and living in a fantasy.
“How can someone who has had to rely on the Supreme Court presume to speak for the Almighty?” Frank questioned, alluding to George’s past conviction by a Lagos High Court in 2009 for abuse of office and contract splitting during his stint as the chairman of the Nigerian Ports Authority.
Although George was eventually acquitted by the Supreme Court in 2013, Frank contended that this background disqualifies him from making credible statements about Nigeria’s leadership.
Frank did not hold back in critiquing George’s track record, particularly his previous claim to renounce his Nigerian citizenship and move to Ghana if Bola Tinubu became president in 2023—a promise George has yet to act on.
“This is a man who confidently stated in an interview in 2022 that he could bet any amount that Tinubu lacked educational credentials. Yet, here we are, with Tinubu as president,” Frank remarked.
Regarding Atiku’s potential candidacy in 2027, Frank expressed unwavering confidence that nothing, including George’s opposition, could obstruct what is meant to be.
“If God has decreed that Atiku will be President in 2027, then not even a thousand Olabode Georges, benefitting from the Supreme Court’s leniency, can change that,” he proclaimed.
In closing, Frank pointed out that George has historically not backed Atiku in previous elections, yet Atiku has consistently triumphed in the PDP primaries.
“Moreover, George has never lent his support to Atiku in any election, but Atiku has still emerged victorious as the PDP candidate time and again,” Frank concluded.
