Akume Urges Northern Aspirants to Withdraw from 2027 Race

George Akume, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, called on former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and other Northern presidential aspirants to withdraw from the 2027 presidential race. Akume argued that their aspirations contradict the North-South power rotation arrangement, which stipulates that the presidency should alternate between the North and South in eight-year cycles.

He noted that the North has already completed eight years under former President Muhammadu Buhari before Bola Tinubu took office in 2023, and the South should be allowed to complete its tenure. Akume emphasized that deviating from this arrangement could threaten national cohesion and democratic stability.

He recalled that the power-sharing understanding was reached in Kaduna in 1999 after consultations among political leaders, including those from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Akume stressed that respecting the power rotation principle is crucial for maintaining political balance and mutual trust among Nigeria's diverse regions.