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ASO ROCK, Nigeria – Former Benue State Governor and Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), George Akume, has advised Northern politicians with presidential ambitions to suspend their plans until President Bola Tinubu completes a potential second term in 2031.
Speaking just two years into Tinubu’s first term, Akume declared, "No vacancy in Aso Rock until 2031," emphasizing that a second term for the incumbent president was already a foregone conclusion.
During an online interview monitored by journalists, Akume advised former Vice President and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar against contesting the 2027 elections.
"President Tinubu, as a southerner, should be allowed a second term," Akume stated. "Those eyeing the presidency from the North should wait until 2031. If it is God’s will for Atiku Abubakar to be President, even at age 90, it will happen. But for now, he and other Northern aspirants should reconsider their 2027 ambitions."
Addressing the ongoing debate over the proposed Tax Reform Bills, Akume urged Nigerians to support the legislation, arguing that President Tinubu’s administration intends to rebuild Nigeria's economy through fiscal reforms.
"President Tinubu is working to reposition the economy through these reforms, similar to how he tackled fuel subsidy removal and foreign exchange harmonization," he explained.
Akume stressed that while nation-building is challenging, the administration’s policies aim to correct past economic missteps. "It’s easy to destroy but hard to rebuild. Soon, Nigerians will begin to see positive outcomes from the government’s reforms," he assured.
