George Akume, SGF, urges northerners, including Atiku Abubakar, to wait until 2031 for a presidential run, allowing President Tinubu to complete his second term. Akume also defends Tinubu’s economic reforms, emphasizing their importance for Nigeria’s recovery despite opposition from northern stakeholders.
George Akume, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), has urged northerners, including Atiku Abubakar, to postpone their presidential ambitions until 2031.
Speaking on TVC’s Politics Today program, Akume emphasized that northern politicians seeking the presidency in 2027 should allow President Bola Tinubu, a southerner, the opportunity to serve a potential second term. He argued that allowing Tinubu's full tenure would help preserve the unity of the country and avoid destabilizing it over personal ambitions.
Akume also advised Atiku and others eyeing the presidency in the north to look beyond 2027, suggesting that if it is meant to be, they would have their time in 2031. He stressed that the country should avoid "rocking the boat" and allow the power to remain in the south for eight years before it shifts back to the north.
Additionally, Akume discussed the ongoing tax reforms under President Tinubu, describing them as crucial for Nigeria’s economic recovery.
He called on Nigerians to support the proposed tax bills, which have sparked debate due to concerns over their impact, particularly in the northern states.
Despite criticism, Akume reiterated that the reforms were necessary to rebuild the nation’s economy after years of mismanagement.
