Akume Urges Northern Politicians to Wait Until 2031, Lauds Tinubu’s Performance

The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, has advised politicians from Nigeria’s Northern Region to shelve any presidential ambitions until 2031, in support of President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

Speaking on Tuesday in Kaduna during a two-day interactive session titled “Assessing Electoral Promises: Fostering Government-Citizens’ Engagement for National Unity”—organized by the Sir Ahmadu Bello Memorial Foundation—Akume praised the foundation for promoting dialogue between government and citizens to deepen governance and democracy.

Akume emphasized that President Tinubu, after two years and two months in office, has recorded significant achievements in various sectors, including security, agriculture, infrastructure, and economic reform.

“Tinubu pledged fairness in governance, and he has lived up to that commitment,” the SGF stated. “When a leader is performing, the right thing to do is to encourage continuity.”

He pointed out that misinformation in parts of the media has obscured the administration’s successes. According to Akume, Tinubu has revitalized the agricultural sector, bolstered national food security, and improved infrastructure across Nigeria. He also highlighted the impact of fuel subsidy removal, which, he said, has empowered sub-national governments with more funds for development projects.

Akume argued that President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda goes beyond rhetoric, serving as a clear roadmap for national revival. He also listed accomplishments in foreign policy, transportation, job creation, education, taxation, security, sports, anti-corruption, and peacebuilding efforts.

He dismissed claims that the North has been marginalized under Tinubu, citing significant appointments from the region and major infrastructure projects, including the Super Highway from Sokoto to Bagary and a planned road network from Akwanga through Jos, Bauchi, Gombe, and Taraba.

Calling for political patience and national unity, Akume urged Northern politicians to look beyond 2027 and support the continuation of the Tinubu presidency, saying, “Joining forces against this administration would only hinder the progress already achieved.”

The event was attended by Northern appointees in Tinubu’s government, including the Managing Director of the News Agency of Nigeria, Malam Ali M. Ali.