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The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, has described any Northerner seeking to challenge President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election as an enemy of the North.
Akume urged the region to support Tinubu’s re-election bid, arguing that Northerners should wait until 2031 before seeking to reclaim the presidency.
The SGF made the remarks while addressing indigenes of Benue State residing in Kaduna, where he called for political unity and warned against personal ambitions that could undermine the region’s collective interests.
He maintained that supporting Tinubu for a second term would serve the North’s long-term political interests better than allowing competing presidential ambitions to create divisions ahead of the 2027 general election.
Akume cautioned Northern political leaders against being divided along political, religious and personal lines, urging them to prioritise collective interests over individual aspirations.
He stressed that the region’s political strength depended on unity, cooperation and a shared understanding of its long-term objectives.
The former Benue State governor also called for national unity and peaceful coexistence among Nigeria’s diverse ethnic and religious groups, noting that the country’s progress required cooperation despite differences.
He further highlighted the importance of preserving cultural identity and traditions as instruments for strengthening relationships and promoting understanding among communities.
The gathering brought together Benue indigenes living in Kaduna and other political stakeholders to discuss issues affecting their community, political representation and engagement with the Federal Government.
Other speakers at the event emphasised the need for greater political participation and collective action to advance the interests of Benue indigenes.
