Akume Urges Atiku, Northerners to Target 2031 Presidency
Senator George Akume, Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) has advised former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and other northern politicians with presidential aspirations to exercise patience, suggesting they aim for the 2031 election instead of 2027.
Senator George Akume, Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), made this remark during an appearance on TVC’s Politics on Sunday program, hosted by Femi Akande. Akume emphasized that President Tinubu should be allowed to complete a second term before any northern candidate steps forward.
“President Tinubu should be allowed to serve a second term. Those from the North, including Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, should look beyond 2027 and consider 2031,” Akume said.
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He added optimistically, “If it is God’s will for Alhaji Atiku Abubakar to become President, even at the age of 90, it will happen. But for now, they should let President Tinubu continue his work of repositioning the nation.”
Although Atiku has not officially declared his intention to contest the 2027 presidential election, his recent actions and political engagements suggest he may be preparing for a third consecutive bid. A chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and former spokesperson for Atiku’s campaign, Segun Sowunmi, noted that the former vice president has yet to respond publicly to the question of his candidacy.
Political analysts have pointed to Atiku’s “body language” as indicative of someone contemplating another run, keeping his supporters and critics guessing about his next move.
During the interview, Akume also highlighted key economic reforms implemented by the Tinubu administration, such as the removal of fuel subsidies and the unification of exchange rate windows. He described these measures as necessary steps toward rebuilding Nigeria’s economy.
“It is easy to destroy but difficult to build. These reforms aim to rebuild the Nigeria that was destroyed by previous administrations,” Akume said, expressing confidence that the benefits of these policies would soon become evident.
“Very soon, Nigerians will begin to see the positive outcomes of these reforms,” he assured.
