ACF, Atiku, and PDP Criticize Presidency Over 2027 Election Remarks

The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), former presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar, and other political stakeholders have criticized the Nigerian presidency after comments were made about President Bola Tinubu serving until 2031. These remarks, from Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, suggested that northern political leaders aspiring to run in the 2027 presidential election should delay their ambitions until 2031 when Tinubu’s second term ends. Akume argued that Tinubu, as a Southerner, deserves a second term.

In response, the ACF emphasized that discussions about the 2027 presidency were premature, urging the government to focus on governance and improving the lives of Nigerians instead. Atiku Abubakar highlighted the unequal distribution of presidential terms between the North and South, stating that by 2027, the South would have had 17 years of leadership compared to just 11 years for the North. Atiku called for true equity and fairness in power-sharing.

The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) also reacted, calling the 2027 election a “rescue mission” to restore the country’s fortunes. PDP officials criticized Akume’s statement, accusing him of undermining the political aspirations of others. They expressed confidence that Nigerians would have the opportunity to rebuild the country in 2027, emphasizing that no one should obstruct another’s ambition in a democratic system.