SGF Akume urges Northerners to support Tinubu for full eight-year tenure

Senator George Akume, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, has urged political leaders and citizens in northern Nigeria to refrain from contesting the 2027 presidential election. Speaking on Saturday, Akume advised that the region should allow President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to complete his full eight-year tenure, which spans two terms, before considering the production of a new president in 2031. The statement was made during an address to Benue State indigenes residing in Kaduna, a gathering that took place on the same day as the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential campaign launch for 2027.

Akume, who previously served as the governor of Benue State, characterized any attempt by a Northerner to seek the presidency in 2027 as a move that would work against the region's collective interests. He argued that such individual ambitions could distract the North from its long-term political objectives and undermine its ability to speak with one voice on national issues. According to Akume, the region should focus on supporting the current administration rather than allowing personal aspirations to create divisions among its people. He specifically mentioned former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and other Northern figures who may be considering running, urging them to shelve their ambitions and wait for the 2031 general elections.

Background

The comments come ahead of the 2027 general elections, a period that has historically been marked by intense political maneuvering in Nigeria. Akume’s remarks align with the APC's strategic positioning, as the campaign for the party's presidential candidate was slated for the same day as his address. The Secretary to the Government of the Federation emphasized that the North's political relevance depends on its unity and its ability to cooperate across ethnic and religious lines. He cautioned against allowing political, religious, or personal differences to fragment the region, noting that past political disagreements had weakened the North’s influence. Akume stressed that national development and the country's progress rely on peaceful coexistence and the preservation of cultural identities, which he described as essential for strengthening relationships among Nigeria's diverse communities.

Why it matters

The stakes of this political advice are significant for the balance of power in Nigeria. By urging Northerners to support a Southern president for a full eight years, Akume is advocating for a shift in the traditional rotation of power that has characterized Nigerian politics. This position affects not only the 2027 electoral landscape but also the long-term strategic planning of political parties and regional leaders. For the APC, securing the support of the North for Tinubu’s second term is crucial for maintaining its dominance. For Northern political aspirants, the call to wait until 2031 represents a significant delay in their political ambitions. Akume warned that individuals whose ambitions conflict with the broader interests of the region could mislead the populace, urging citizens to examine political developments carefully to avoid being divided. The emphasis on unity suggests that internal cohesion in the North is viewed as a prerequisite for maintaining its political leverage in the national arena.

What happens next

The 2027 general elections remain the immediate focal point for Nigerian politics. The APC has already launched its presidential campaign, signaling its intent to secure the next term. As the election year approaches, political parties and independent candidates will continue to engage in debates over leadership and regional representation. Akume’s call for unity and patience until 2031 sets the stage for potential internal party dynamics and inter-party negotiations in the coming months. The reaction from other Northern political leaders and the opposition parties to this advice will likely shape the political discourse leading up to the 2027 polls.