Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, has urged Northerners to support President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027, arguing that the region should defer its presidential ambition until 2031.
Akume said any Northern politician seeking to challenge Tinubu for the presidency in the 2027 general election would be acting against the region’s collective interests.
The SGF made the appeal on Saturday while addressing Benue State indigenes residing in Kaduna, ahead of the All Progressives Congress presidential campaign flag-off in the state capital.
He urged Northern political leaders and residents to prioritise regional unity over individual presidential ambitions, warning that internal divisions could weaken the region’s political influence.
“The North must remain united and focus on its collective interest rather than allow individual ambitions to divide us,” Akume said.
The former Benue State governor argued that the North should consider its long-term political interests and allow Tinubu to complete his second-term ambition before pursuing the presidency.
“President Bola Tinubu should be allowed to complete his political project before the North considers its own presidential ambition in 2031,” he stated.
Akume also cautioned against efforts to create divisions among Northerners along political, religious and personal lines, stressing that cooperation was necessary to protect the region’s interests.
“We must not allow political, religious or personal differences to undermine our common interests. The strength of the North lies in our ability to work together,” he said.
Beyond regional politics, the SGF called for peaceful coexistence among Nigeria’s diverse ethnic and religious groups, noting that national development depended on unity and cooperation.
He urged Northerners to assess political developments carefully and resist attempts by individuals to advance personal ambitions at the expense of the region’s broader interests.
The meeting brought together Benue indigenes living in Kaduna and other political stakeholders to discuss community concerns, political representation and engagement with national leaders.
The APC presidential campaign flag-off in Kaduna is expected to attract party leaders, supporters and political stakeholders from different parts of the country as political activities intensify ahead of the 2027 general elections.
