- Senator George Akume urges Northern politicians eyeing the 2027 presidency to wait until 2031 when President Tinubu completes his second term
- The SGF defends key tax reform bills, saying they are vital for Nigeria's long-term economic recovery and reassuring the public about the government's plans
- Akume comments on the 2027 presidential race, stating that Northern politicians should focus on the long-term, and that if God's will aligns, leadership can change at any age
The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, has called on Northern politicians with presidential ambitions in 2027 to wait until 2031 when President Bola Tinubu is expected to complete his second term.
Akume made the remarks during an appearance on Television Continental's Politics on Sunday, December 8 programme, hosted by Femi Akande.
The SGF emphasised that those eyeing the presidency in the upcoming election should respect the constitutional mandate of President Tinubu, asserting that his second term should be allowed to run its course.
He stated, “President Tinubu, as a Southerner, should be allowed to have a second term. Those from the North who are looking towards 2027 should look beyond that year and wait until 2031, when the incumbent president has completed his tenure.”
In a broader discussion on the government's recent reforms, Akume also urged Nigerians to support the proposed bills currently before the National Assembly, stressing that these reforms, particularly the tax measures, were crucial for the country’s long-term economic recovery.
He defended the Tax Reform Bills as well-designed and necessary for Nigeria’s future, and reassured the public that President Tinubu had not lost the goodwill of the people, despite some opposition to recent economic decisions.
"The reforms, including the removal of the fuel subsidy and the harmonisation of foreign exchange windows, are all part of a broader strategy to reposition Nigeria’s economy.
"It is easy to destroy, but difficult to build. The changes being introduced are aimed at rebuilding the country after the setbacks caused by previous administrations," Akume further explained.
He expressed confidence that Nigerians would soon begin to see the positive effects of these policies.
Akume further addressed speculation regarding the future leadership of the country, particularly the ambition of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and other Northern leaders.
While acknowledging that the outcome of the 2027 election is ultimately in God’s hands, he stressed that those currently vying for the presidency should focus on the longer term.
"If it is God's will for Alhaji Atiku Abubakar to become President, even at the age of 90, he can achieve it," Akume concluded.
"But for now, those from the North seeking the presidency should look beyond 2027."
2027: Seyi Tinubu, senator, deputy gov emerge as frontrunners to succeed Sanwo-Olu
Meanwhile, TheRadar reported that the race for the Lagos State governorship in 2027 is heating up, with three prominent figures emerging as frontrunners to succeed Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.
According to a report by ThisDay, Senator Tokunbo Abiru, Deputy Governor Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, and businessman Seyi Tinubu are all vying for the influential position.
