Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, has urged former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and other northern politicians with presidential ambitions to exercise patience and focus on the 2031 elections, asserting that the North’s turn for the nation’s highest office is not in 2027.
Speaking during an appearance on TVC’s Politics on Sunday hosted by Femi Akande, Akume emphasized that the presidency should be allowed to remain in the South for the upcoming 2027 election cycle, following the tenure of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. The SGF made it clear that northern politicians, including Atiku, should look beyond 2027 and consider seeking the presidency in 2031.
“President Tinubu should be allowed to serve a second term. Those from the North, including Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, should look beyond 2027 and consider 2031,” Akume stated, adding that if it was God’s will for Atiku to become president, it would happen in due time, regardless of age.
Akume further underscored that the primary focus should be on supporting the current administration, allowing President Tinubu the space to complete his second term and continue his work in reforming and repositioning the nation.
“If it is God’s will for Alhaji Atiku Abubakar to become President, even at the age of 90, it will happen. But for now, they should let President Tinubu continue his work,” Akume added.
The SGF also spoke on the ongoing legislative reforms, particularly the Tax Reform Bills, which he defended as critical to the nation’s economic revival. He described the bills as visionary, urging Nigerians to support their passage through the National Assembly to facilitate the country’s long-term economic recovery.
“These bills are well-envisioned for Nigeria and Nigerians. Let us allow the legislative processes to take their course,” Akume explained.
Highlighting the economic strategies of the current administration, Akume pointed to significant moves such as the removal of fuel subsidies and the harmonization of foreign exchange rates as vital steps toward stabilizing Nigeria’s economy.
He noted that while rebuilding the economy is a difficult task, the reforms are necessary to undo the damage caused by previous administrations.
“It is easy to destroy, but difficult to build. These reforms aim to rebuild the Nigeria that was destroyed by previous administrations,” Akume remarked. He expressed confidence that the positive results of these economic reforms would soon become apparent, restoring hope and stability to the nation. “Very soon, Nigerians will begin to see the positive outcomes of these reforms,” he concluded.
