- Atiku Abubakar criticizes Bode George’s remarks about his presidency, asserting that his leadership would have fostered prosperity and unity in Nigeria
- Atiku challenges George’s silence on current issues, accusing him of promoting tribalism and undermining the principles of unity and fairness
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has responded to comments made by Bode George, a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) ‘s Board of Trustees (BoT). George had suggested that Nigeria would not have remained stable if Atiku had won the presidential election, arguing that the country would not accept another northern president immediately after Muhammadu Buhari’s eight-year tenure.
George stated in an interview on Arise Television, “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 (Atiku) had won that election, do you think this country would have been stable?”
In response, Atiku, through his Media Adviser, Paul Ibe, criticized George’s remarks as “imprudent,” arguing that an Atiku presidency would have led to prosperity for Nigeria. He emphasized that his administration would have been characterized by a cabinet of experienced and skilled individuals chosen based on merit, without regard to their background or beliefs.
Atiku added, “Such leadership would have safeguarded Nigeria’s interests, steering clear of the bigotry, nepotism, and brigandage that characterizes this administration. Instead of the current state of disarray, driven by haphazard policies, Nigeria would have thrived under Atiku’s guidance.”
He also pointed out what he sees as inconsistencies in Bode George’s stance, noting that George, who once threatened to go into exile if Bola Tinubu became president, has now remained silent about the current administration. Atiku questioned whether George’s silence is due to regional loyalty, advising that his opinions be taken cautiously.
Atiku further criticized George for promoting tribalism, which he says is at odds with the unity valued by the military, an institution where George once served. He concluded by expressing disappointment that someone with George’s background would undermine the principles of unity and fairness.