Akume Urges Northern Politicians to Hold Off 2027 Presidential Ambitions, Commends Tinubu’s Achievements
The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, has appealed to politicians from Nigeria’s northern region to postpone any presidential ambitions until after 2031, emphasizing that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu deserves a second term due to his notable accomplishments in office.
Speaking at a two-day Interactive Session on Government-Citizens’ Engagement held in Kaduna on Tuesday, Akume stressed that the focus of northern politicians should not be on the 2027 presidential elections. The event, organised by the Sir Ahmadu Bello Memorial Foundation, brought together key stakeholders to assess the current administration’s governance strides.
According to Akume, “President Tinubu has performed excellently and is poised to continue delivering tangible progress to the citizens and the nation at large. There is no need to truncate the momentum by prematurely shifting attention to the 2027 polls.”
He firmly dismissed several negative narratives circulating about President Tinubu’s relationship with the northern region, stating that the administration had consistently included northern leaders in key positions.
“The idea that the North is being marginalised is entirely false. Many individuals from the northern region have been appointed into strategic roles and are doing exceptionally well,” Akume noted.
Highlighting infrastructure developments, he drew attention to the construction of the Super Highway stretching from Sokoto to Bagary, describing it as longer and more extensive than the Lagos-Calabar route. He argued this as proof that the North is not being left out of national projects.
Reflecting on the administration’s tenure so far, Akume stated that President Tinubu had spent two years and two months in office, during which remarkable progress had been recorded. “From strengthening national security to revitalising the agricultural sector with innovative reforms, the president has proven his commitment to uplifting Nigeria.”
He added that recent government interventions had resulted in a decrease in food prices, improved food security, and enhanced infrastructure across the country. “Tinubu is on a clear path to take Nigeria to the promised land,” the SGF declared.
Akume also emphasized Tinubu’s adherence to the principles of fair and inclusive governance. “The president promised to govern impartially, and he has lived up to that promise. He has touched every region and impacted the lives of every Nigerian, regardless of background or affiliation.”
He cited the removal of the fuel subsidy as a bold economic decision that had provided states with increased revenue to implement transformative projects at the grassroots level. “This move has empowered sub-national governments to deliver democratic dividends more effectively.”
Beyond the domestic achievements, Akume listed gains in diplomacy and foreign policy, transportation, education, tax reform, national security, local government autonomy, youth empowerment through sports, and the ongoing anti-corruption crusade. He maintained that these accomplishments are part of Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which he described as more than a slogan, but a concrete vision for national renewal.
Concluding his remarks, the SGF urged northern politicians to rally behind the president for national progress rather than derailing the current trajectory.
“President Tinubu has laid the foundation for a new Nigeria through visionary leadership. Politicians with the country’s interest at heart should shelve their presidential ambitions until 2031 and support the continuity of the gains we have achieved so far.”