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The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, has cautioned Northerners against seeking the presidency in 2027, insisting that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu should be allowed to complete his political project before the region considers producing the next president in 2031.
Akume stated this while addressing Benue state indigenes resident in Kaduna, where he urged the North to remain united and avoid political manoeuvres capable of undermining its collective interests.
He described any Northerner aspiring to the presidency in 2027 as misleading the region, arguing that such ambitions could distract the North from its long-term political objectives.
According to him, the region should focus on supporting Tinubu’s continued leadership, rather than allowing individual political ambitions to create divisions among its people.
The SGF maintained that political leaders must consider the broader implications of their decisions for national unity and the North’s future, stressing that collective interests should take precedence over personal aspirations.
He also warned against attempts to divide Northerners along political, religious and personal lines, urging stakeholders to learn from past political disagreements that had weakened the region’s influence.
Akume, a former governor of Benue state, reflected on Nigeria’s political history and cautioned against repeating mistakes that could undermine the North’s ability to speak with one voice on national issues.
He said unity and cooperation remained essential to the region’s political relevance, adding that Northerners must carefully assess political developments and resist influences that conflict with their shared interests.
The SGF further emphasised the importance of national unity and peaceful coexistence among Nigeria’s diverse ethnic and religious communities, noting that the country’s progress depended on the ability of its people to work together despite their differences.
He also called for the preservation of cultural identities and traditions, describing shared heritage as an important factor in strengthening relationships among communities.
The meeting brought together Benue indigenes living in Kaduna and other political stakeholders to deliberate on issues affecting their community, political representation and engagement with leaders at the national level.
Speakers at the gathering also highlighted the need for greater political participation and collective action to advance the interests and aspirations of their people.
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