Atiku can be President at 90, North should wait till 2031 — Akume

The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, has advised former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and other northern politicians to abandon thoughts of taking over the Presidency in 2027.

According to Akume, if God ordains Atiku to become President, he can still achieve his goal at the age of 90.

Urging the North to wait until 2031, Akume warned that any move contrary to this would destabilise the country.

Speaking during an interview on TVC’s Politics on Sunday with Femi Akande, the SGF reiterated his appeal for restraint, stressing the importance of unity and stability in the country.

He cautioned against prioritizing personal ambitions over Nigeria’s hard-earned peace and progress, advocating adherence to an informal rotational arrangement that fosters inclusiveness and equity.

The SGF noted that his position stems from historical precedents and agreements made during critical moments in the nation’s history.

He pointed to past political meetings, including one in Kaduna, as pivotal in fostering the understanding necessary to maintain national harmony.

Akume stressed that these agreements should be respected to avoid “rocking the boat” and destabilizing the country.

Addressing concerns about political goodwill, Akume dismissed claims that the government or ruling party had lost its influence, citing recent electoral victories in Edo and Ondo States as evidence of continued public trust.

He maintained that the policies of the current administration are having a positive impact, positioning the government as capable and effective in delivering on its promises.

The SGF also issued a stern caution to political alliances attempting to undermine the principle of zoning.

He stated that any presidential candidate emerging from the North in 2027 would face defeat, reiterating that the South should produce the next leader to uphold fairness and equity.

He underscored the role of divine will in leadership, emphasizing that positions of power are ultimately determined by God, regardless of human efforts.

“Today, this is what I said at the convocation of Nile University, where I was given an honorary doctorate. I plead with my brothers in the North to wait until 2031 to run for the presidential election.

“It is not yet the time for the North to throw in the hatchet, the brick. It’s not yet the time.

“With due respect, Atiku was part of that meeting. At that time, he was still governor, and I was also a leader, a noted leader. And aside from that, yes.

“So, it’s not yet time for the North. This has been my appeal to them. Let us not destroy our country because of personal ambition.

“If it is the will of God for Alhaji Atiku Abubakar to be President of Nigeria, even at the age of 90 years, he can get it. But he and other Northerners eyeing the office now should look beyond 2027.

“I still maintain my stance, and this is an appeal. Maybe some people don’t know what took place in Kaduna that brought peace to this country.

“Anybody any alliances are bringing should be from the South. Then that candidate will also be defeated by us. Nobody should say that we have lost our goodwill. We haven’t.

“No government would have done better than what we are doing. Elections were conducted recently in Edo, and we won.”

Akume also reassured Nigerians that President Tinubu has not lost public goodwill despite the introduction of Tax Reform Bills and other strategic economic measures implemented over the past 17 months.

He emphasized that the reforms are in the best interest of Nigeria and its citizens.

“These bills are well-envisioned for Nigeria and Nigerians. Let us allow the legislative processes to take their course. These reforms will ultimately benefit everyone when fully implemented,” Akume stated.