PDP On The Brink: Bode George's Warning On Atiku's 2027 Presidential Bid
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is facing a critical juncture as Chief Bode George, a member of the party's Board of Trustees, has sounded a dire warning. According to George, if former Vice President Atiku Abubakar emerges as the party's 2027 presidential candidate, it would spell the end of the party. This stark assertion has sent shockwaves through the political landscape, raising questions about the party's future and Atiku's ambitions.
Atiku, who has been contesting for Nigeria's presidency for over three decades, came second in the 2023 presidential election, losing to Bola Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress (APC). Despite this, Atiku has remained undeterred, championing an inter-party alliance that birthed a coalition in March 2025. The coalition, which includes Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi and ex-Kaduna Governor Nasir El-Rufai, aims to wrestle power from the Tinubu-led government.
However, the PDP governors have rejected the coalition, ruling out any party plan for mergers or coalitions. George praised the governors' decision, stating that it was a sign of responsible leadership. He also criticized Atiku for failing to show leadership within the PDP, particularly by not intervening in internal crises rocking the party.
George's objections to Atiku's candidacy are rooted in the party's doctrine of zoning. According to George, the PDP's constitution dictates that the presidency should rotate between the north and south. Since the north has had eight years, it is only fair and just for the south to have its turn. Atiku, being a northerner, would therefore be ineligible for the 2027 ticket.
George emphasized that while Atiku has the constitutional right to contest, he cannot be the PDP's candidate. He also warned that if Atiku were to secure the ticket through manipulation, the party would not accept it.
The implications of George's statement are far-reaching. If the PDP were to nominate Atiku as its candidate, it could lead to a split within the party, with some members potentially defecting to other parties. This could also impact the party's chances in the 2027 elections, as a divided party may struggle to present a united front against its opponents.
George's preference for a southern candidate in 2027 reflects the party's zoning doctrine. However, the question remains whether this doctrine will be strictly adhered to or if exceptions will be made. The PDP's decision on this matter will significantly influence the party's trajectory and the future of Nigerian politics.
The PDP's predicament highlights the complexities of Nigerian politics, where party loyalty, zoning, and individual ambitions often intersect. As the 2027 elections approach, the party's decisions will be crucial in determining its fate. Will the PDP adhere to its doctrine and choose a southern candidate, or will it deviate from this path? Only time will tell.
The party's decision on Atiku's candidacy will significantly impact its chances in the 2027 elections and potentially lead to a split within the party. George's warning has sparked a debate about the party's future and the implications of Atiku's presidential bid.
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