Atiku Responds to Bode George, Defends Vision for a Prosperous Nigeria

Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has sharply criticized Bode George, a member of the Board of Trustees of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), after George claimed that Atiku’s presidency would have led to instability in Nigeria.

In an appearance on Arise Television, Bode George expressed his concerns about the potential outcome if Atiku had won the presidential election. “If Atiku had won, I would have stayed in my house because I know in the future he would collapse. This country would never accept it. If he had won that election, do you think this country would have been stable? Because somebody from the north had just finished eight years, and our norm is that after the eight years, the presidential candidate must come to the south,” George remarked.

Responding to these comments, Atiku, through his Media Adviser Paul Ibe, dismissed George’s statements as unfounded and imprudent. Atiku argued that his presidency would have ushered in a period of prosperity for Nigeria, driven by a competent and diverse cabinet. “Contrary to Chief Bode George’s imprudent talk, an Atiku presidency would have heralded an era of prosperity, driven by a cabinet brimming with seasoned and adept individuals, chosen solely on merit regardless of their background or beliefs,” Ibe stated.

Atiku’s camp emphasized that his leadership would have been focused on the nation’s interests, steering clear of the bigotry, nepotism, and disorganized policies that have plagued the current administration. “Instead of the current state of disarray, driven by haphazard policies, Nigeria would have thrived under Atiku’s guidance,” the statement continued.

Atiku also pointed out what he perceives as inconsistencies in Bode George’s stance. He recalled how George had once threatened to go into exile if President Bola Tinubu took office, but has remained notably silent about the current administration. “In contrast, we see Bode George, who once threatened exile should Tinubu ascend to power, now oddly silent about the present administration. Is Bode’s reticence because Atiku is not from his region? It is prudent to consider Bode’s opinions with caution,” Atiku argued.

Furthermore, Atiku criticized George for what he described as a betrayal of the principles that the military stands for. “Bode’s conduct is a disservice to the military, an institution esteemed for its unity. Here is a Commodore who, paradoxically, embraces tribalism and undermines the very principles of the military. It is a source of shame for the armed forces to have such a figure in their ranks,” Atiku remarked.

This exchange between two prominent figures in the PDP highlights the ongoing tensions within the party, particularly concerning regional representation and the vision for Nigeria’s future. Atiku, who was the PDP’s presidential candidate in the last election, remains steadfast in his belief that his leadership would have been beneficial for the country, despite the criticisms from some quarters within his own party.