Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, has called for the presidency to remain in the southern region of Nigeria after the 2027 elections, urging northern politicians to defer their ambitions until 2031. Speaking during an interview on TVC’s Politics on Sunday by Femi Akande, the SGF emphasised the importance of unity and stability in Nigeria’s political landscape.
Akume reiterated his appeal for restraint among northern politicians, stating, “Let us not destroy our country because of personal ambition”, advocating for adherence to an informal rotational arrangement that promotes inclusiveness, highlighting that President Bola Tinubu, as a southerner, should be allowed a second term. “Those eyeing the presidency from the North in 2027 should look beyond that year by waiting till 2031,” he asserted.
The SGF referenced historical precedents and agreements made during critical moments in Nigeria’s history, pointing to past political meetings as essential in fostering national harmony. “It’s not yet time for the North. This has been my appeal to them,” he said, stressing that respecting these agreements is vital to maintaining peace.
Akume issued a stern warning against any presidential candidates emerging from the North in 2027, asserting that such a move would likely lead to defeat. “If it is the will of God for Alhaji Atiku Abubakar to be President of Nigeria, even at the age of 90 years, he can get it,” he stated. However, he urged Abubakar and other northern politicians to reconsider their timing.
He further addressed concerns regarding political goodwill, dismissing claims that the government or ruling party had lost influence. Citing recent electoral victories in Edo and Ondo states, Akume maintained that public trust in the administration remains intact. “No government would have done better than what we are doing,” he remarked.
He underscored the role of divine will in leadership, emphasizing that positions of power are ultimately determined by God, regardless of human efforts.
“Today, this is what I said at the convocation of Nile University, where I was given a honorary doctorate. I plead with my brothers in the north to wait for 2031 to run for presidential election.
“It is not yet the time for the north to throw in the hatchet, the brick. It’s not yet the time. .
“With due respect, Atiku was part of that meeting. By that time, he was still governor and I was also a leader, a noted leader. And a side on to that. Yes.
“So it’s not yet time for the north. This has been my appeal to them. Let us not destroy our country because of personal ambition.
“If it is the will of God, at 90, you can still be president of this country. If it is not His will, you will never be. But my advice, and this has been consistent, is that let us not rock the boat.
“I still maintain my stance and this is an appeal. Maybe some people don’t know what took place in Kaduna that brought peace to this country.
“Anybody any alliances are bringing should be from the South then that candidate will also be defeated by us. Nobody should say that we have lost our goodwill. We haven’t.
“No government would have done better than what we are doing. Election was conducted recently in Edo, we won.
“Election was conducted in Ondo recently, we won. What is presidential election? What is different from this thing? Incidentally, the policies of government are impacting,” he said.
