Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has made it clear that his current priority lies with addressing the severe challenges facing Nigerians, rather than engaging in political maneuvers for the 2027 presidential election.
Atiku’s response comes in the wake of remarks made by Chief Bode George, a fellow member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Board of Trustees, who suggested that Atiku should abandon any aspirations of running for president in 2027.
Chief George had earlier advised Atiku to emulate U.S. President Joe Biden, who has chosen to step aside for a younger candidate ahead of the 2024 presidential elections.
However, Atiku, through a statement issued by his Media Adviser, Paul Ibe, made it clear that his focus is on the immediate needs of the nation.
“We cannot afford to put the cart before the horse,” the statement read.
“At this point, Atiku Abubakar’s preoccupation is not 2027. His concern is about 2024. It is about 2025 and 2026 and beyond. His concern is about the plight of Nigerians who are literally going through hell because of the failed trial-and-error policies of this administration.”
Atiku further criticized the current government under President Bola Tinubu, stating that the average Nigerian is suffering due to the administration’s “failed trial-and-error policies.”
He added, “The average citizen, and indeed all Nigerians, need to survive the tsunami that has become the administration of President Bola Tinubu.”
The former Vice President also took the opportunity to redirect Bode George’s attention, suggesting that George should focus on advising President Tinubu to reconsider some of his “ill-advised policies” that have exacerbated poverty and division in Nigeria.
“It is insensitive to be talking about 2027 now when the 2023 mandate has not yielded any tangible benefits for Nigerians, who are now far worse off in every facet of life,” Atiku’s statement concluded.
This exchange highlights the ongoing tension within the PDP as members grapple with the party’s future direction amid Nigeria’s pressing socio-economic challenges.