Bode George, a prominent leader of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), has advised former Vice President Atiku Abubakar against running for president again in the 2027 election. Speaking at a press conference in Abuja on November 21, George expressed his concerns about Atiku’s age, as the former Vice President would be 81 years old by the time of the election. George, a seasoned politician himself, believes it is time for Atiku to step aside from presidential ambitions and adopt the role of a respected elder in the party.
“My advice to Atiku is this: you will be 81 years old in 2027, and you have been contesting for the presidency since 1993,” George stated, emphasizing that Atiku has already made several attempts to assume the country’s highest office. He went on to suggest that it was time for Atiku to “calm down” and reflect on his long political career rather than pursue another presidential run. George’s comments highlight a growing conversation within the PDP about leadership succession and the future of the party in Nigerian politics.
George’s call for Atiku to consider retirement from presidential campaigns comes as part of a broader push for the rejuvenation of the PDP and its leadership. The chieftain urged the former Vice President to take on the role of an elder statesman and guide younger leaders within the party. “It is time to act like an elder,” George added, emphasizing the need for experienced leaders to mentor the next generation of politicians.
Atiku Abubakar, who has contested for the presidency multiple times without success, has yet to respond publicly to George’s suggestion. His potential candidacy for the 2027 election has been a topic of discussion among political analysts, with some questioning whether his age and past attempts might hinder his chances of securing the presidency.
