Timi Frank, the former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has strongly rebuked Chief Olabode George, former Deputy National Chairman (South) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), over his recent comments regarding former Vice President Atiku Abubakar’s political future.
Frank asserted that no amount of opposition from George or anyone else could prevent Atiku from becoming Nigeria’s president if it is destined by God.
Frank’s response came after George suggested that Atiku should wait until 2031 to contest for the presidency, as the PDP would likely field a southern candidate in the 2027 elections.
Frank, however, dismissed George’s advice, accusing him of overstepping his bounds and engaging in self-delusion.
“How can a man living at the mercy of the Supreme Court assume the position of God?” Frank questioned, referencing George’s past conviction by a Lagos High Court in 2009 on charges of abuse of office and contract splitting during his tenure as chairman of the Nigerian Ports Authority.
Although George was later acquitted by the Supreme Court in 2013, Frank argued that this history disqualifies him from making authoritative pronouncements on the nation’s future leadership.
Frank further criticized George for his past statements, particularly his vow to renounce his Nigerian citizenship and move to Ghana if Bola Tinubu became president in 2023—a promise George has yet to fulfill.
“This is a man who said on Arise Television in 2022 that he can bet any amount of money on Tinubu not having educational certificates. Yet, here we are,” Frank stated.
On the possibility of Atiku running for president in 2027, Frank was unequivocal in his belief that no force, including George, could stop what is divinely ordained.
“If God says Atiku will be President in 2027, a thousand Olabode Georges living on the Supreme Court’s magnanimity cannot annul it,” he declared.
Frank concluded by pointing out George’s history of not supporting Atiku in previous elections, yet Atiku has always emerged victorious in the PDP primaries.
“Besides, George has never supported Atiku in any election, but he has always won his primary and emerged as the candidate of the PDP,” Frank added.
