Akume tells North to back Tinubu in 2027, defer own presidential hopes

George Akume, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, has urged Northern Nigeria to rally behind President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's re-election campaign for 2027. He cautioned that Northerners contesting the presidency during that election would undermine regional interests.

On Saturday, Akume delivered these remarks to Benue State residents assembled in Kaduna prior to the All Progressives Congress presidential campaign launch there. During his address, Akume referenced an earlier agreement between northern and southern political actors regarding power rotation.

This arrangement, according to him, was struck within Kaduna State's borders to safeguard the nation's unity. He called on the North to permit Tinubu to finish what he termed his political project before the region pursues its own presidential aspirations.

Following this framework, Northern aspirants might contest for the presidency in 2031, once Tinubu completes his second term. Akume's message seemed particularly aimed at figures such as former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, among the few prominent Northern politicians now bidding for the highest office.

The SGF portrayed individual bids for power as sources of fracture capable of eroding Northern political leverage before the 2027 general elections. He stressed how collective regional goals should supersede personal political interests.

The push for Northern cohesion reflects wider conversations spanning Nigerian political spheres on how power should be distributed across regional blocs. Numerous publications documented Akume's comments, finding the underlying theme consistent throughout: until 2031, Northerners ought to postpone their own presidential contests, thereby preserving the regional accord negotiated with the South.