Former Deputy National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Bode George, has declared that the party will not allow former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar to contest the 2027 presidential election under its platform.
Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today, George expressed regret over the party’s decision to present Atiku as its candidate in the 2023 election, calling it a “self-inflicted mistake.”
He criticized the decision to give Atiku a waiver to contest in 2023 after the presidency had been held for eight years by a fellow northerner, Muhammadu Buhari, describing it as a violation of the PDP’s founding zoning principles.
George emphasized the need for the PDP to uphold equity by rotating the presidential ticket to the South, in line with its zoning arrangement. He warned that if Atiku secures the ticket again in 2027, it could lead to the collapse of the party.
He also praised PDP governors for rejecting proposed coalition or merger talks, stressing that the PDP, being a major political force, should not merge with “structureless platforms.” Instead, he urged smaller parties and individuals to join the PDP, which he believes is on a path to recovery and regaining national relevance.
George commended the stance taken at the PDP Governors’ Forum meeting in Ibadan, saying it renewed his hope in the party’s future and reinforced his loyalty.