KEY POINTS

• Northern politicians asked to wait a bit longer for presidency bid in 2031 Akume urges.
• Nigeria’s economic growth and stability depend on tax reforms.
• But then, we should allow President Tinubu to complete his second term in office.

The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, made a sensational declaration, enjoining northern politicians, particularly former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, to envisage the 2031 presidential election, instead.

Akume stressed that the coming election in 2027 dignifies President Tinubu to serve a second term to finish his transformative work for the country.

Akume advised the people from the North to be visionary and focus on 2031. “Let President Tinubu continue doing the great work he has started.”

The 2027 election: a wait for the right time

The political dimension of Nigeria’s next presidential elections informed Akume’s statement. But he called on northern politicians, especially Atiku Abubakar, to display patience and support Tinubu in 2027.

Akume said there is nothing wrong for Atiku to lead even if he turns 90 years. Akume also added: ‘Let the current president finish what he has started.’

He also cautioned against a premature rush to the presidency that he said would derail the country’s progress. He assured the Nigerian public that if Atiku’s presidency is God’s plan, it will come to fruition in time.

But the SGF feels strongly that the north should wait until 2031 before they can take their place leading the country.

Economic reforms: Nigeria’s future backbone

Akume also defended the tax reform bills, beyond politics, as visionary steps that will stabilize and rejuvenate the economy of Nigeria.

Akume in a televised interview with Politics on Sunday on TVC, appealed that Nigerians give the bills processes to pass through the legislative processes at National Assembly. Nigeria and Nigerians are well envisioned into these reforms. “We’re going to let the legislative process work,” he insisted.

Akume, however, drew attention to the removal of fuel subsidies and harmonisation of the foreign exchange windows which, he said, created a more balanced and more stabilised financial system.

Rebuilding the economy is a major challenge, but a necessary one for long term sustainability, the SGF conceded. When fully implemented, these reforms will benefit everyone, he concluded.