2027 Presidency: ‘Nigerians Will Decide’, Atiku’s Aide Counters Akume’s Claim

Paul Ibe, media aide to Nigeria’s opposition leader and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, has declared that the decision on Nigeria’s presidency in 2027 lied solely with the Nigerians, dismissing the assertion by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), George Akume, that incumbent President Bola Tinubu’s reelection was “guaranteed”.

Recall that Akume had earlier asserted that President Tinubu’s second term in office was “guaranteed,” citing the principles of equity and fairness. According to Akume, Tinubu deserved to complete a second term since the North has had its share of leadership.

But, responding in a statement shared on his X (formerly Twitter) handle, Ibe rejected Akume’s claim, describing it as unbalanced.

“Where, then, does true equity and fairness reside?” Atiku asked as he outlined a leadership disparity between Nigeria’s northern and southern regions.

He pointed out that by 2027, the South would have governed for 17 years—eight years under Olusegun Obasanjo, five years under Goodluck Jonathan, and four years under Tinubu. In contrast, the North would have only 11 years, with Umaru Yar’Adua serving three years and Muhammadu Buhari serving eight.

He argued that this six-year gap highlighted an imbalance in the power-sharing arrangement.

“Ultimately, the power to elect or remove a government lied firmly with the Nigerian people,” Ibe emphasized.

He concluded by questioning the Tinubu administration’s track record, stating, “But has the Tinubu government demonstrated that it deserved to be re-elected? The answer, alas, is as clear as the heavens themselves—God forbid!”