ABUJA: The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), Atiku Abubakar, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and other political stakeholders have criticized the Presidency for asserting that President Bola Tinubu will remain in power until 2031 rather than focusing on the 2027 election. The ACF urged the Tinubu administration to prioritize good governance and deliver better services to Nigerians.
The controversy started when George Akume, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, stirred debate by suggesting that northern political leaders eyeing the 2027 presidency should defer their ambitions until 2031, when President Tinubu’s second term would end. In an appearance on a TVC program, Akume stated, As a southerner, President Tinubu deserves a second term, and those from the North hoping for the Presidency in 2027 should look beyond that year.
Akume further added, If it is God’s will for Atiku Abubakar to become President, even at the age of 90, it can happen. But for now, he and other northerners should look past 2027.
In response, ACF National Publicity Secretary, Professor Tukur Muhammad-Baba, said that it was premature to begin discussions about the 2027 elections. He emphasized that the ACF is not taking a partisan stance on the issue but remains focused on the welfare of Nigerians. Our priority is good governance, not the 2027 election, he said.
Atiku Abubakar, reacting to Akume’s remarks, argued that by 2027, the South will have enjoyed 17 years of leadership, compared to only 11 years for the North. He stated that the ongoing disparity undermines fairness and equity in the distribution of power. Atiku also raised concerns about whether the Tinubu administration had earned a second term, questioning its performance.
The PDP, too, rejected Akume’s statement. The party’s Deputy National Youth Leader, Timothy Osadolor, criticized Akume for trying to stifle others’ political ambitions. He pointed out that Akume, benefiting from the current administration, likely had a disconnected view of the suffering Nigerians face. Osadolor stressed that 2027 would be a critical moment for rebuilding Nigeria, and no individual could block the people’s choice.
PDP spokesman, Debo Ologunagba, also took aim at the Presidency, claiming that in 2027, the APC would suffer a defeat akin to the National Democratic Congress’ victory in Ghana’s recent election. Ologunagba highlighted the oppressive policies of the APC, criticizing the party for the state of the economy, insecurity, and the suffering of the populace.
The PDP further decried the economic hardship and rising inflation under the APC, stating that the country had been brought to ruin under the party’s rule. The PDP called for a return to the good governance that characterized its time in power.
Meanwhile, the Labour Party, through its spokesman Yunusa Tanko, rebuked Akume for engaging in partisan politics, stating that the decision about the presidency in 2027 belongs to the people, not politicians like Akume.
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The Middle Belt Forum (MBF) voiced its support for Akume, stressing that fairness and justice demand that the South should complete its eight years in the Presidency. Dr. Bitrus Pogu, the MBF President, argued that after the North’s eight years under Buhari, the South should be allowed to serve its full term.
Others, like the leader of Mdzough U Tiv in Benue State, Ochi’Kidoma, and Om’Igede, supported the idea of Tinubu serving a second term but suggested that after 2031, the Presidency should move to the North Central for balance and fairness.
On the other hand, Abdullahi Koli of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) dismissed Akume’s comments as a partisan viewpoint, arguing that the true power lies with the people, not political elites.
Kola Ologbondiyan, a former PDP spokesperson, predicted that Tinubu would be a one-term president due to the economic challenges and hardships Nigerians were facing under his administration. The National Publicity Secretary of the New Nigeria People’s Party, Ladipo Johnson, supported Ologbondiyan’s view, pointing out that the administration had failed to alleviate the people’s suffering.
However, the APC dismissed these predictions, with National Publicity Director Bala Ibrahim attributing the criticisms to the frustrations of opposition parties following their electoral losses. He argued that, while the country was facing difficulties, the long-term benefits of Tinubu’s reforms would ultimately bring about positive change. Ibrahim expressed confidence that Tinubu would win re-election if he chose to run again in 2027, as the country would eventually see the fruits of his policies.
