The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, has declared that any Northerner contesting against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election would be acting against the interests of the North.
Akume made the statement on Saturday during a pre-campaign meeting with Benue indigenes residing in Kaduna State, ahead of the All Progressives Congress (APC) campaign for Tinubu’s re-election.
According to a statement issued by his spokesman, Yomi Odunuga, Akume reminded Northerners that the agreement on power rotation between the North and South was reached in Kaduna to promote national unity and safeguard Nigeria’s territorial integrity.
“Anybody who is from the North and running for the presidency is an enemy of the North,” Akume said.
He urged the region to support Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027, arguing that the North should wait until 2031 before seeking the presidency again.
His comments were widely seen as a criticism of opposition politicians, particularly former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, who is seeking to challenge Tinubu in the next presidential election.
Akume also called on Northerners to remain united and avoid divisions along political, religious and personal lines. He defended Tinubu’s appointments, insisting that the President had demonstrated fairness to different groups and religious communities in the country.
The SGF further highlighted projects being undertaken by the Tinubu administration in Benue State, citing investments in healthcare, road infrastructure and education.
He also referred to the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), claiming that more than 65 per cent of the fund had been accessed, with the majority of beneficiaries coming from Northern Nigeria.
Taking another swipe at Atiku, Akume criticised the former vice president over his position on fuel subsidy removal, accusing him of inconsistency on the issue.
Akume’s remarks come amid growing political discussions over power rotation, regional representation and party alignments ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
The debate is expected to remain a major issue as political parties and potential candidates intensify consultations ahead of the polls.
