2027: Akume warns northern aspirants against disrupting power rotation
The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, has urged political stakeholders to respect the power rotation arrangement between Northern and Southern Nigeria, insisting that the understanding remains essential to national unity, fairness and democratic stability.
Akume made the call on Wednesday in Abuja while receiving a delegation of the Order of the Knights of St. Mulumba, led by its Supreme Knight, Sir Steve Adehi.
His remarks were contained in a statement issued by the Head of Information and Public Relations in his office, Chris Ugwuegbulam.
The SGF recalled that the principle of rotational presidency emerged from consultations among governors-elect of the Peoples Democratic Party and prominent political leaders in Kaduna in 1999.
According to him, the discussions produced an understanding that presidential power should alternate between the North and South in eight-year cycles to promote political inclusion and prevent the concentration of power in one region.
Akume said the arrangement was designed to strengthen mutual trust, address regional concerns and preserve Nigeria’s territorial integrity.
He maintained that the understanding should not be abandoned for short-term political considerations, describing it as an important mechanism for managing the country’s diversity.
The SGF criticised moves by northern presidential aspirants to seek the presidency in 2027 before the South completes its current eight-year cycle.
He argued that, having occupied the presidency for eight years under former President Muhammadu Buhari, the North should respect the rotational arrangement and allow the South to complete its turn.
Akume’s position comes amid political discussions over the 2027 presidential election, with questions surrounding zoning and regional representation continuing to feature in national debates.
Although power rotation has influenced political arrangements since Nigeria’s return to civilian rule in 1999, it remains a political understanding rather than a constitutional requirement.
The SGF also commended the Knights of St. Mulumba for their charitable activities and contributions to the welfare of vulnerable Nigerians.
He urged Nigerians to assess the Federal Government’s development agenda against immediate economic challenges and the long-term requirements of national growth.
Akume stressed that cooperation among federal, state and local governments would be necessary to address economic difficulties, strengthen development and improve citizens’ living conditions.