Former Vice President of Nigeria, Atiku Abubakar, has spoken out against the recent advice given to northern politicians by Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume.
Akume had suggested that President Bola Tinubu should lead Nigeria for eight years, and that all northern politicians should postpone their presidential ambitions until 2031.
Atiku, in response to Akume’s remarks, expressed concerns about the potential disparity in power if the south remains in control for another four years after Tinubu.
“With the South having held the presidency for a total of 17 years by 2027, compared to only 11 years for the North, there is a glaring six-year gap that raises questions about equity and fairness,” Atiku stated through his media aide, Paul Ibe.
However, reacting to Akume’s advise, Atiku said that the south being in power for another four years after Tinubu would lead to a disparity.
In a statement issued by Paul Ibe his media aide, Atiku said there is a six-year difference in the length of time the North and South have held the presidency.
He said that by 2027, when President Tinubu would have completed a second term, the South will have had 17 years of leadership.
He said, “Where, then, does true equity and fairness reside? By the year 2027, the South will have enjoyed 17 years of leadership—eight years under Obasanjo, five years under Jonathan, and four years under Tinubu – while the North will have experienced only 11 years, with Yar’Adua serving three and Buhari eight.
“This results in a disparity of six years between the North and South, casting a shadow over the balance of power,” Atiku said.
He further acknowledged that the power to elect a leader lies with the people at the ballot while stating that Tinubu has failed to demonstrate to the people the need for him to be re-elected.
“In any case, the power to elect and vote out their government lies firmly with the Nigerian people, entrusted to them upon the government’s ability to prove itself worthy of the people’s ballot.
But has the Tinubu government demonstrated that it deserves to be re-elected? The answer, alas, is as clear as the heavens themselves – God forbid,” Atiku added.
