The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), George Akume, has declared that there is no vacancy in the presidency until 2031, asserting that a second term for President Bola Tinubu is effectively sealed.

Speaking during a TVC programme over the weekend, Akume dismissed aspirations from northern politicians, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, advising them to shift their focus to 2031.

“President Tinubu, as a southerner, should be allowed to have a second term, meaning those eyeing the Presidency from the North in 2027 should look beyond that year and wait until 2031,” Akume stated.

He added, “If it is the will of God for Alhaji Atiku Abubakar to be President of Nigeria, even at the age of 90, he can get it. But for now, he and other Northerners eyeing the office should wait beyond 2027.”

Akume also defended President Tinubu’s ongoing reforms, including the removal of fuel subsidies, the harmonization of foreign exchange windows, and the introduction of controversial tax reform bills.

He described these measures as necessary steps to rebuild Nigeria’s economy, which he claimed had been severely damaged by previous administrations.

“It is very easy to destroy but difficult to build,” Akume remarked. “The various reforms being rolled out are meant to rebuild the destroyed Nigeria. Very soon, Nigerians will start seeing results from these reforms.”

Akume’s statements underline the ruling party’s confidence in Tinubu’s leadership while dismissing potential challenges in the 2027 elections.