Paul Ibe to Bode George: Nigeria would’ve prospered under Atiku

Paul Ibe, media adviser to Atiku Abubakar, a former vice-president, says Nigeria would have witnessed prosperity if his principal was elected president in 2023.

Ibe said this in response to remarks by Bode George, former deputy national chairman (south) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Speaking on ‘The Morning Show’, a programme on Arise TV, George said Nigeria would have experienced an upheaval if Abubakar was elected president in the last general election.

Abubakar, who was the standard-bearer of the PDP in the 2023 election, lost the vote to Bola Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The PDP chieftain said Nigerians would not have accepted a scenario where Abubakar — who hails from the north — succeeded Muhammadu Buhari, another northerner.

In a statement issued on Saturday, Ibe described George’s remarks as “imprudent talk”.

Ibe said had Abubakar won the election, his government 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”.

“Such leadership would have safeguarded Nigeria’s interests, steering clear of the bigotry and nepotism and brigandage that characterizes this administration,” he said.

“Instead of the current state of disarray, driven by haphazard policies, Nigeria would have thrived under Atiku’s guidance.

“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.”