George Akume, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), has urged northern politicians, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, to postpone their presidential aspirations until 2031. Akume made this statement during an appearance on TVC’s Politics Today program on Sunday, December 8. His call comes amid growing reports that some northern leaders are planning to contest the 2027 presidential election against President Bola Tinubu. According to earlier reports, there is speculation that certain northern leaders are supporting former President Goodluck Jonathan as a strong candidate to challenge Tinubu in 2027, with campaign posters of Jonathan appearing in major areas like Kano State.
Akume stressed that President Tinubu, as a southerner, should be allowed to serve a full eight-year term before any consideration of power returning to the north. He emphasized that now is not the time for northern leaders to seek the presidency. “We should not disrupt the current political balance. Let Tinubu serve his two terms; after that, power can shift back to the north,” Akume said.
The SGF further emphasized the need for national unity and political stability, warning against premature moves that could destabilize the country. He cautioned, “If we don’t allow the south to hold power for eight years, we risk destroying the country.”
Akume also addressed Atiku Abubakar directly, acknowledging his long-standing ambition but urging him and other northern politicians to consider the bigger picture. “If it’s God’s will for Atiku to become president, even at the age of 90, he will get it. But for now, he and others should look beyond 2027,” Akume advised.