Akume’s Ultimatum: Northerners Challenging Tinubu Are ‘Enemies of the North’
Senator George Akume, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), has issued a stark warning to political figures in Northern Nigeria, declaring that any Northerner who contests against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election would be acting directly against the interests of the region. The SGF described such individuals as "enemies of the North," framing the upcoming electoral cycle not merely as a contest for national leadership but as a critical test of regional loyalty and strategic unity.
Akume made these remarks on Saturday during a pre-campaign meeting with Benue indigenes residing in Kaduna State. The gathering was convened ahead of the All Progressives Congress (APC) campaign efforts aimed at securing President Tinubu’s re-election. By addressing this specific demographic, Akume sought to consolidate support among Northern politicians and voters who might otherwise be swayed by opposition narratives or internal party dissent.
The Kaduna Agreement and Power Rotation
Central to Akume’s argument is the historical precedent of power rotation between the North and the South. According to a statement issued by his spokesman, Yomi Odunuga, Akume reminded attendees that the agreement on power rotation was originally reached in Kaduna. He emphasized that this accord was designed to promote national unity and safeguard Nigeria’s territorial integrity.
"Let us remember that the President has been fair to all in terms of appointments and others," Akume stated, defending the current administration's record. "He doesn’t favour one religion over the other." He argued that deviating from the agreed timeline for power rotation would undermine the political stability that Northern leaders have historically worked to maintain.
Reiterating this point, Akume said, "Don’t allow that pretender to deceive you. It is not yet our turn. The North’s turn is in 2031. Prepare to vote for Tinubu." This clear delineation of timelines serves to discourage any Northern politician from positioning themselves as a viable alternative to the incumbent president in the immediate future.
Targeting Atiku Abubakar and Fuel Subsidy Claims
Akume’s comments were widely interpreted as a direct criticism of opposition politicians, particularly former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, who has signaled his intention to challenge Tinubu in the next presidential election. Akume urged Northerners to remain united and resist political manoeuvres that could weaken the region’s political influence, dismissing attempts to divide Northerners along political, religious, and personal lines.
Specifically, Akume criticized Atiku Abubakar over his position on fuel subsidy removal, accusing him of inconsistency. "Forget that other one making noise about removing the fuel subsidy," Akume said. "He is always flip-flopping." This attack aims to discredit the opposition’s economic narrative by highlighting perceived contradictions in their past and present policy positions.
He further insisted that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu remains the right candidate to lead Nigeria beyond 2027, stating, "there is no one like Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2027." Akume warned that individual political ambitions should not be allowed to undermine the region’s collective interests, arguing that the North should not be distracted by the ambitions of politicians seeking to challenge Tinubu.
Defending the Administration’s Record in Benue and Beyond
To bolster his case for Tinubu’s re-election, Akume highlighted projects being undertaken by the administration in Benue State, citing investments in healthcare, road infrastructure, and education. He claimed that Asiwaju Tinubu loves Benue and has displayed this through significant projects in these areas.
Akume 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. This statistic was used to demonstrate the administration’s commitment to educational access and its tangible benefits for Northern citizens.
Speaking in Kaduna, a city Akume noted is historic and gave meaning and purpose to the region, he praised current Kaduna State Governor Senator Uba Sani as a great man who believes in the vision of Saudauna. This local endorsement serves to ground his national political message in regional support.
As the 2027 election cycle approaches, Akume’s statements underscore the APC’s strategy to maintain Northern hegemony by enforcing party discipline and discouraging internal challenges. The SGF maintained that the region must remain focused on its long-term political interests rather than pursue ambitions that could undermine its unity and political relevance.