Bauchi state – The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, has called on former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed, and other northern politicians to forget to run for the 2027 presidential election.
Akume urged northern leaders including former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai to uphold the zoning principle in the country.
As reported by Leadership, the SGF said respecting zoning agreements was crucial for fostering unity and ensuring equitable representation across all regions.
Akume, who was represented by his chief of staff, Christopher Tarkaa, stated this while speaking in Bauchi at the 11th Sir Ahmadu Bello Memorial Lecture and Awards.
He stated this amidst rumour that some northern leaders, including Atiku, El-Rufai, and Governor Mohammed, are strategising to take power in the 2027 presidential elections.
This move is considered unhealthy for the unity of the country as former President Muhammadu Buhari enjoyed an eight-year term before power rotated to the South.
The former Benue state governor urged northern political actors to prioritise national cohesion over personal ambitions.
“The principle of zoning has been instrumental in maintaining Nigeria’s fragile balance.”
Akume said Nigeria’s unity in diversity remains its most excellent resource for promoting national development and cohesion.
“This is evident in creating regional commissions to promote and facilitate faster development at the grassroots.
“Indeed, the North has played a critical role in Nigeria’s corporate existence. As such, I urge us all not to do anything that would jeopardise the unity of Nigeria. I state this because of my love for the North and this country. With due respect to my seniors and contemporaries, we must do everything to avoid the experiences of Somalia, Libya, and Iraq.”
Legit.ng also reported that El-Rufai praised Atiku for his impact on economic development under Olusegun Obasanjo’s administration.
El-Rufaipraiseing of Atiku was a deviation from his earlier criticism of the former vice president, particularly his attack on him in 2016.
Recall that the former governor recently made headlines when he criticised President Bola Tinubu’s administration and the leadership of the APC.
2027: 5 PDP governors allegedly urge Atiku to bury ambition
Meanwhile, Legit.ng reported that five PDP governors are reportedly aligning with El-Rufai and Peter Obi for the 2027 presidential election.
