Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar rebuked Senator George Akume's suggestion for the North to wait until 2031 for the presidency. Atiku emphasized the need for fairness, citing regional power imbalances, and criticized President Tinubu’s administration as unworthy of reelection, leaving the decision to Nigerians in the 2027 elections.
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has sharply criticized Senator George Akume’s remarks advocating for the North to forgo the 2027 presidential race in favor of allowing President Bola Tinubu to seek reelection. Akume, who serves as Secretary to the Government of the Federation, suggested that the North should wait until 2031 to field a candidate for the presidency, emphasizing continuity for Tinubu's administration.
Atiku, the Peoples Democratic Party's presidential candidate in the 2023 election, dismissed Akume’s comments with a firm "God forbid," questioning the administration's performance as a basis for reelection.
In a social media post by his spokesman, Paul Ibe, Atiku pointed to perceived regional imbalances in leadership since Nigeria’s return to democracy. He highlighted that the South has held power for 17 cumulative years under Presidents Obasanjo, Jonathan, and Tinubu, compared to the North's 11 years under Presidents Yar’Adua and Buhari.
“True equity and fairness must prevail,” Ibe wrote, underscoring that the leadership decision should rest with Nigerians. He added, “The power to elect and vote out governments lies with the people. Has the Tinubu government earned reelection? The answer is a resounding ‘No.’”
Atiku’s statement sets the stage for what could be a contentious political landscape ahead of the 2027 elections, with debates on regional equity and governance performance likely to dominate the discourse.
