Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), George Akume, has stated that Nigeria’s northern region is not eligible to produce the next president in 2027, citing a long-standing political arrangement that supports power rotation between the North and South.
Akume said this while speaking on Tuesday at a Government-Citizen Engagement event organised by the Ahmadu Bello Memorial Foundation held at Arewa House in Kaduna.
The SGF emphasised the importance of patience, unity, and adherence to the 1999 political agreement aimed at preserving national stability.
“Let me share with you what our leaders did in 1999, pre-Jos Convention of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). They recognised, and rightly too, that the only way to ensure our unity and territorial integrity of our dear country was to entrench in our minds and practice rotational presidency between the South and North,” Akume said.
He paid tribute to key political figures who spearheaded the agreement, including Chief Solomon Lar, Mallam Adamu Ciroma, Shehu Dan Musa, Abubakar Rimi, Prof Suleman Kumo, Isaac Shaahu, and Prof Jerry Gana. “Their wisdom has paid off. This arrangement guaranteed stability of the polity,” he noted.
Clarifying the implication of this arrangement, Akume declared, “By this conception, the North, the region that is so dear to me, will be eligible for the presidency in 2031, not 2027. Nigeria will not cease to exist. But we need patience to arrive at our turn.”
Akume called on Nigerians, especially from the North, to support national cohesion and wait their turn. “Let us walk this path together, with faith in our country and renewed hope in our shared future,” he urged.
The SGF also used the occasion to highlight the achievements of President Bola Tinubu’s administration, which he said has been committed to reforming the economy, improving security, and driving infrastructure development under the “Renewed Hope Agenda.”
On economic progress, he noted that the unification of the exchange rate has boosted investor confidence, with Nigeria’s GDP showing signs of recovery and inflation moderating.
Akume also addressed challenges stemming from the removal of fuel subsidy, describing it as a painful but necessary step. “The savings are now being redirected into critical infrastructure and human development, while states are receiving increased allocations,” he said.
He further praised the late Premier of Northern Nigeria, Sir Ahmadu Bello, for his role in promoting unity. “He believed in a Nigeria that is United and Indivisible. He embodied the values of compassion, wisdom, selflessness, and integrity,” Akume said.
