The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, has declared that any Northerner seeking to contest the 2027 presidential election is an enemy of the North, insisting that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu remains the right candidate to lead Nigeria beyond 2027.

Akume said the North should support Tinubu’s re-election bid and wait until 2031 before seeking to return to the presidency, warning that individual political ambitions should not be allowed to undermine the region’s collective interests.

The SGF said this while addressing Benue State indigenes in Kaduna, urging Northerners to remain united and resist political manoeuvres that could weaken the region’s political influence.

He argued that the North should not be distracted by politicians’ ambitions to challenge Tinubu in 2027, stressing that political leaders must consider the wider implications of their actions for national unity and the region’s future.

According to him, the North stands to benefit more from supporting Tinubu’s second-term ambition than from allowing individual political interests to create divisions ahead of the next general elections.

Akume maintained that the region must remain focused on its long-term political interests rather than pursue ambitions that could undermine its unity and political relevance.

The former Benue State governor cautioned against attempts to divide Northerners along political, religious and personal lines, urging political stakeholders to place collective interests above individual aspirations.

He recalled past political disagreements among Nigerian leaders and warned against repeating mistakes that could weaken the North’s influence in national politics.

The SGF emphasised that unity, cooperation and political understanding remained critical to the region’s continued relevance, noting that the North’s strength depended largely on its ability to pursue common objectives.

He urged Northerners to critically examine unfolding political developments and avoid being misled by politicians whose personal ambitions might conflict with the region’s broader interests.

Akume also stressed the need for national unity, peaceful coexistence, and cooperation among Nigeria’s diverse ethnic and religious groups, maintaining that the country’s progress depended on citizens’ willingness to work together despite their differences.

He further encouraged preserving cultural identity and traditions, describing shared heritage as an important tool for strengthening relationships and promoting understanding among communities.

The gathering brought together Benue State indigenes living in Kaduna and other political stakeholders to deliberate on issues affecting their community, political representation, and engagement with national leaders.

Other speakers at the meeting underscored the importance of political participation, unity and collective engagement in advancing the interests of Benue indigenes and strengthening their relationship with the government. (The Nation)