The spokesperson of the 2023 presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar, Paul Ibe, has stated that any qualified Nigerian has the constitutional right to contest the 2027 presidential election.
Naijaonpoint reported that Akume, who spoke on Sunday while featuring on a TVC programme, advised Atiku and other northern political bigwigs to shelve the ambition of contesting for the 2027 presidency and wait till 2031.
Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today programme on Monday, Ibe said it was wrong for Akume to kidnap the ambitions of Atiku and other northers because of the second-term interest of his principal, President Bola Tinubu.
Ibe also stated that since Nigeria’s return to democracy in May 1999, the north had ruled the country for 11 years, while by 2027, the south would have been in power for 17 years, which he claimed was not in tandem with the rule of equity and fairness.
He said, “It appeared that Akume’s job in that particular interview was very clear: kidnap the aspiration of Atiku Abubakar and any other northerner and that was very irresponsible of him.
“The north has the right to present itself for election in 2027. It is wrong for SGF Akume to kidnap the ambition of the northerners.
“The reality as I speak is that the south has ruled for 17 years versus the 11 years of the north.”
Paul Ibe questioned the desperation of Tinubu’s administration, especially when Nigeria is at a crossroads measuring core indices of food inflation, cost of doing business, and cost of living crisis, among others.
He said, “Must we be playing politics with their wellbeing? Why must we reward a student who does not pass his exam with a promotion?
“Why the desperation of the Tinubu administration to be talking about 2027 when they have not completed 2024? 2025 beckons and 2026. Two more years to impact on the lives of Nigerians.
“Why are they so desperate? Every calculation is focused on 2027 so the question is when will they have time for governance?
“What we are getting now, is that the best that we Southerners have to offer?”
Ibe said contrary to insinuations that Atiku is not physically fit for the rigour of the president’s office, his principal is very healthy and sound in mind.