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SGF says 1999 power-sharing understanding guarantees eight years each for the South and North, insisting Tinubu deserves another four years to complete the South’s turn.
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Akume expresses surprise that Atiku Abubakar, who allegedly endorsed the rotational arrangement, is seeking the presidency ahead of the North’s turn in 2031.
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Warns that personal political ambitions and attempts to breach the arrangement could threaten Nigeria’s unity, democratic stability and national cohesion.
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Miyetti Allah Fulaku Yesoyeso declares support for Tinubu’s re-election, citing the establishment of the Livestock Development Ministry and ongoing government policies.
November 13, (THEWILL) – The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, has warned former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and other northern presidential aspirants against seeking to disrupt the existing power-sharing arrangement between the North and South, insisting that the region must wait until 2031 before pursuing the presidency.
Akume maintained that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu should be allowed to complete eight years in office, arguing that the understanding reached by political leaders in 1999 provides for eight years of presidential leadership from the South, followed by eight years from the North.
The SGF said attempts by political leaders to pursue personal ambitions at the expense of the arrangement could undermine Nigeria’s unity, political stability and democratic progress.
He made the position known on Thursday in Abuja while receiving a delegation from Miyetti Allah Fulaku Yesoyeso, led by its National President, Alhaji Abubakar Suleiman.
Akume specifically expressed surprise that Atiku, who he said participated in the meeting where the rotational presidency understanding was reached in 1999, was seeking to contest the 2027 presidential election after former President Muhammadu Buhari had completed eight years in office.
“And I told them, our son, may his soul rest in peace, Muhammadu Buhari, did eight years from the North. We have to now move to the South and do eight years.
“Tinubu has done eight years; I was surprised that Atiku, who was in that meeting, and agreed, is now running for president after Buhari did eight years from the North. This is not the time for the North; the North will come into contest in 2031. That is what has stabilised this country,” he said.
Akume Recalls 1999 Power-Sharing Agreement
The SGF recalled that the understanding was reached by Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governors-elect at a meeting in Kaduna in 1999 under the leadership of the late Chief Solomon Lar, with the late Adamu Ciroma serving as deputy national chairman of the party.
He explained that the agreement provided for an eight-year presidential tenure for the South, followed by eight years for the North, in a rotational arrangement designed to promote political inclusion, fairness, national cohesion and stability.
According to him, the arrangement has been substantially respected by successive administrations, beginning with former President Olusegun Obasanjo, who served eight years, followed by the emergence of Umaru Musa Yar’Adua from the North.
Although Yar’Adua died in office in 2010, his deputy, Goodluck Jonathan, completed the administration and subsequently won the 2011 presidential election, serving until 2015.
Buhari, who emerged president in 2015, also served two terms before handing over to Tinubu in May 2023.
Akume said the sequence reinforced the understanding that presidential power should alternate between the two regions, adding that Tinubu had completed only his first four-year term and should be allowed to serve another four years.
“Eight years in the South, eight years in the North, eight years in the South, eight years in the North. I want you to hear this. Eight years in the South, eight years in the North. Obasanjo did eight years; Yar’Adua took over unfortunately he died, Jonathan took over and did six years.
“After Jonathan, Buhari from the North did eight years. Bola Ahmed Tinubu took over from Buhari. He has just done four years; therefore he has four years left,” he said.
He insisted that the North should allow the South to complete its eight-year turn before seeking to produce the next president in 2031.
Personal Ambition Must Not Destroy Nigeria, SGF Warns
Akume cautioned political leaders against allowing individual political ambitions, sectional interests and electoral calculations to undermine the country’s unity and stability.
He urged political stakeholders to demonstrate restraint, respect established political understandings and place the collective interest of the country above personal considerations.
“Let’s not make any mistake. Don’t do anything that will destroy this country, because we will suffer more. Personal ambition should not destroy our country. Wait for your turn,” the SGF warned.
Akume said the country’s democratic stability depended on political leaders honouring agreements and working towards preserving national unity for future generations.
He also reflected on his political career, including his opposition to the proposed Third Term agenda under the administration of former President Olusegun Obasanjo, urging political actors to demonstrate patience and make sacrifices for national peace.
The SGF maintained that the North would have the opportunity to present any qualified candidate of its choice in 2031, when, according to him, the region would be due for another presidential turn.
Akume further called on Nigerians to sustain patriotism and work collectively towards building a united and prosperous country.
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Miyetti Allah Declares Support For Tinubu’s Re-election
Earlier, the National President of Miyetti Allah Fulaku Yesoyeso, Alhaji Abubakar Suleiman, reaffirmed the association’s support for Tinubu’s continued leadership, commending the President for establishing the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development.
Suleiman described the ministry as a significant milestone in addressing longstanding challenges confronting pastoral communities across the country.
He said the ministry had recorded progress in tackling issues affecting pastoralists but stressed the need for sustained government attention and policy continuity to consolidate the gains.
According to him, the association had submitted recommendations to the ministry on improving livestock management, addressing farmer-herder conflicts, preventing the destruction of farmlands, promoting education among pastoral communities and strengthening animal healthcare.
He disclosed that the association had commenced mobilisation across different parts of the country, including Kaduna, Yobe and Borno states, to galvanise support for Tinubu’s re-election.
Suleiman said the mobilisation was informed by the association’s desire to ensure that pastoral communities benefited from government policies, became more settled and productive, and maintained peaceful coexistence with other ethnic groups.
He also disclosed that the organisation had incorporated technology and engaged professionals in ranching, information technology, and other relevant fields to strengthen its mobilisation and communication strategies.
He explained that the initiative would enable the association to reach members, particularly those in rural communities where physical contact could be difficult, while improving political awareness and participation.
Akume Assures on Infrastructure Development
Responding, Akume commended the association for its grassroots mobilisation in support of Tinubu’s re-election, describing the initiative as a demonstration of commitment to national interest and inclusive governance.
He assured the delegation that the President remained committed to consolidating ongoing infrastructural development across the country for the benefit of Nigerians.
The SGF reiterated the need for political leaders and interest groups to support policies and initiatives capable of promoting national development, unity and peaceful coexistence.
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