A former Deputy National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Bode George, has outlined reasons former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, should not contest the 2027 presidential election.

George, in a statement on Wednesday, submitted that it is not yet the turn of the north according to the constitutions of Nigeria and the PDP, which support rotational leadership.

The PDP stalwart added that he has nothing personal against Atiku, but based on the reality of Nigeria’s polity, the former Vice President should wait till 2031 if he wants to contest for the presidency again.

The former Ondo State Governor also stated that the PDP needs a southerner to dislodge the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2027 elections.

“Even in 2027, Atiku will be 81 years and this is the time for him to embrace the President Joe Biden concept of allowing the younger generation to run for the highest office in the land.

“I have nothing personal against Alhaji Abubakar. He is my friend but the truth must be told. By 2027, by God’s Grace, I will also be in my 80s.

“So, what am I looking for in public office as an octogenarian? The same principle should apply to Alhaji Abubakar.

“We all saw what American President, Joe Biden, did recently when he stepped down for Kamala Harris to contest the November presidential election.

“That is the hallmark of a statesman. Alhaji Abubakar should do same so that in 2027, PDP will field a southerner as presidential candidate,” George said in his statement.

The PDP Board of Trustee member noted that based on Section 7, Sub-section 3 (C) of the party Constitution, zoning and rotation must be maintained for justice, fairness and equity.

He submitted that it would be an injustice for another northerner to become the President of Nigeria in 2027, with the immediate past President, Muhammadu Buhari, a northerner from Katsina State, just leaving office after ruling for eight years.

In his words, “In our party, this is the right and logical thing to do in the present political circumstances.

“But if Alhaji Abubakar is desperate to contest again, I will advise him as a friend, a party man and brother to wait till 2031. By then, he will be 85 years.

“As loyal party members, we must continue to respect PDP Constitution. Fair is fair. I joined the PDP in 1998 and I have remained in this party since.”

He added that: “I have not defected to any other party. While I was in Wadata Plaza, Alhaji Abubakar was in the Villa as Vice President. So, we know ourselves and the two of us know the principles guiding this party.

“We should not do anything that will destroy our party and the country. In 2027, the concept of Turn-by-Turn Nigeria Limited must be strictly followed by our party.

“PDP must look for a southerner to wrest power from the APC because that party of strange bed fellows wants to destroy this country, economically and politically.

“So, Nigerians are waiting for us to rescue them in 2027 but a southerner must lead the battle.”