CurrentReport Blog The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), George Akume, has declared that if it is God’s will, former Vice President and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, could still become Nigeria’s president, even at the age of 90.
Speaking during an interview with TVC on Sunday, Akume advised Northern political leaders to shelve their ambitions of contesting for the presidency in 2027 and instead respect the South’s turn to produce a president.
Akume’s Position on 2027 Presidential Race
Akume emphasized that President Bola Tinubu, elected in 2023, has not lost the goodwill of Nigerians despite implementing tough tax reforms and other strategic economic policies. He urged Nigerians to give Tinubu’s administration and its reforms time to yield positive results.
“The 2027 presidential election is still the South’s turn, and northern politicians should focus on other priorities for now,” Akume stated.
Atiku’s Political Journey
Atiku Abubakar, a seasoned politician and former Vice President, has contested Nigeria’s presidency multiple times. In the 2023 general elections, he came second behind Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress (APC). While Atiku’s future political plans remain unclear, some of his close aides, including Segun Sowunmi, have suggested he is yet to declare any intention to contest in 2027.
“In any case, Atiku has not told anybody in clear terms that he’s going to run; I have asked him twice with months in between,” Sowunmi stated.
Akume’s Optimism About Nigeria’s Future
The former governor of Benue State expressed confidence in Tinubu’s leadership and urged Nigerians to allow pending legislative bills to pass, stressing that they were designed with the nation’s long-term benefits in mind.
“If it is the will of God for Alhaji Atiku Abubakar to be president of Nigeria, even at the age of 90 years, he can get it,” Akume concluded.
As Nigeria gears up for the next election cycle, Akume’s statements have added to the ongoing political discourse surrounding leadership rotation and national development. Whether Atiku Abubakar decides to contest again or not, the 2027 elections promise to be a critical chapter in Nigeria’s democratic journey.
