Media adviser to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Paul Ibe said Nigeria would have witnessed prosperity if his principal was elected president in 2023.
Ibe said this in response to remarks by a former Deputy National Chairman (South) of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Bode George.
Speaking on a television programme, 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, nepotism and brigandage that characterizes this administration.
“Instead of the current state of disarray, driven by haphazard policies, Nigeria would have thrived under his guidance.
“In contrast, we see George, who once threatened exile, should Tinubu ascend to power, now oddly silent about the present administration.
“Is his reticence because Abubakar is not from his region? It is prudent to consider his opinions with caution.”