Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, has appealed to political leaders in Northern Nigeria to defer their presidential ambitions until 2031, insisting that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu deserves a second term based on what he described as “foundational and remarkable” achievements in office.
Akume made the call on Tuesday in Kaduna during a two-day interactive session themed “Assessing Electoral Promises: Fostering Government-Citizens’ Engagement for National Unity” organised by the Sir Ahmadu Bello Memorial Foundation.
“President Tinubu has spent just over two years in office, yet his achievements are foundational and remarkable,” Akume said. “I urge politicians from the North to support his re-election bid and wait till 2031. Do not be part of any movement that could derail the development gains we have made under his leadership.”
Highlighting key areas of progress, the SGF praised the Tinubu administration for improving national security, revamping agriculture, boosting food production, and launching major infrastructure projects. He also cited reforms in education, foreign policy, job creation, and taxation as evidence of the president’s commitment to national transformation under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
Addressing public concerns over the removal of fuel subsidy, Akume argued that the decision had opened up financial space for state governments to invest more in critical infrastructure and social services.
“President Tinubu has laid the groundwork for a new Nigeria through his visionary leadership. The narrative that the North is being marginalised is false. In fact, many key appointments have gone to northerners,” Akume noted.
He referenced infrastructure projects in the region such as the proposed Akwanga–Jos–Bauchi–Gombe–Taraba highway and the planned Sokoto–Bagary Super Highway, which he claimed would rival the Lagos–Calabar coastal road in scale and impact.
Reaffirming the administration’s commitment to inclusive governance, the SGF urged critics to recognise Tinubu’s achievements and support his efforts.
“When someone is performing well, the best way to encourage him is to allow him to continue,” he added.
The event brought together northern political appointees serving in the Tinubu government, civil society leaders, and citizens from across the region to assess progress on electoral promises and promote accountability in governance. Among the dignitaries present was the Managing Director of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Malam Ali M. Ali.
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