SGF urges northern politicians to respect power rotation arrangement, says the North should wait until 2031
The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, has cautioned political leaders against allowing personal ambitions to undermine Nigeria’s unity and democratic stability ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Akume specifically urged northern political leaders to respect the existing power rotation arrangement between the North and South, insisting that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu should be allowed to complete an eight-year presidential tenure for the South before the North seeks to reclaim the presidency in 2031.
The SGF made the remarks on Thursday in Abuja while receiving a delegation of the Miyetti Allah Fulaku Yesoyeso, led by its National President, Alhaji Abubakar Suleiman.
According to Akume, the political understanding reached in 1999 by PDP governors-elect at a meeting in Kaduna, under the leadership of the late Chief Solomon Lar, provided for eight years of presidential leadership in the South, followed by eight years in the North.
He expressed surprise that former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, whom he said participated in the meeting and agreed to the arrangement, was seeking the presidency ahead of the 2027 elections.
Akume maintained that former President Muhammadu Buhari had completed eight years representing the North, making it appropriate for the South to complete its own eight-year period under President Tinubu.
He said: “This is not the time for the North. The North will come into contest in 2031. That is what has stabilised this country.”
Tracing the historical sequence of presidential power rotation, Akume cited the administrations of former Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo, Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, Goodluck Jonathan and Muhammadu Buhari.
He argued that Tinubu, having served four years, should be given another four years to complete the South’s turn.
The SGF further warned political stakeholders against actions capable of destabilising the country, stressing that national interest must take precedence over individual political calculations.
“Let’s not make any mistake. Don’t do anything that will destroy this country, because we will suffer more. Personal ambition should not destroy our country. Wait for your turn,” he said.
Akume also recalled his opposition to the Third Term agenda, noting that political leaders must be willing to make sacrifices and exercise restraint in the interest of national peace and stability.
He added that the North would have the opportunity to present any qualified presidential candidate in 2031, urging political actors to respect the power-sharing understanding.
The SGF commended the association for its grassroots mobilisation in support of Tinubu’s re-election, describing the move as a demonstration of commitment to national interest and inclusive governance.
He also assured the delegation that the President remained committed to consolidating ongoing infrastructure development across the country.
Earlier, the National President of the association, Alhaji Abubakar Suleiman, reaffirmed the group’s support for Tinubu, describing the establishment of the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development as a significant step towards addressing longstanding challenges facing pastoral communities.
Suleiman said the ministry had made progress but emphasised the need for policy continuity to sustain its achievements.
He disclosed that the association had submitted recommendations to the ministry on livestock management, farmer-herder conflicts, protection of farmlands, education in pastoral communities and improved animal healthcare.
He also revealed that the association had begun mobilisation activities in Kaduna, Yobe and Borno states to strengthen support for Tinubu’s continued leadership.
According to him, the initiative is aimed at ensuring that pastoral communities benefit from government policies, improve their productivity and coexist peacefully with other ethnic groups.
Suleiman further disclosed that the association was deploying technology and professionals in ranching and information technology to strengthen its mobilisation and communication strategies, particularly among members in rural communities.
