The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, has advised northern politicians seeking the presidency in 2027 to wait until 2031, after the completion of President Bola Tinubu’s second term.
Akume made this statement during an appearance on the Politics on Sunday program on Television Continental, hosted by Femi Akande.
He also urged Nigerians to allow ongoing legislative processes to take their course, emphasizing that the reform bills currently being debated are designed for the benefit of the country.
Defending the tax reform bills, Akume assured the public that the measures were carefully crafted to improve the nation’s economic situation.
He stated that President Tinubu’s economic reforms, including the removal of fuel subsidies and the unification of the foreign exchange market, were steps towards rebuilding a country that had been negatively impacted by past administrations.
“Reforms are challenging but necessary. President Tinubu’s efforts are aimed at putting Nigeria back on the path of prosperity,” Akume said, adding that the results of these reforms would soon become evident to Nigerians.
Regarding the presidential ambitions of northern politicians, Akume argued that it would be unfair to disrupt the political balance by seeking the presidency in 2027.
He emphasized that Tinubu, as a Southerner, deserves the opportunity for a second term.
Therefore, Akume suggested that those from the north, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, should focus on the 2031 election cycle instead.
He concluded by stating that if it is God’s will for Atiku or any northern aspirant to become president, they could do so even at an advanced age, but that the 2027 presidential race should not be their focus.
