"God forbid," Atiku responds to Akume on Tinubu’s re-election bid.

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has responded to remarks by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, suggesting the North should wait until 2031 to vie for the presidency. On Sunday, December 8, Akume urged northern political aspirants to delay their presidential ambitions until President Bola Tinubu completes his second term. He specifically advised Atiku to abandon hopes of running in 2027, stating that if God intends for Atiku to be President, he could still win even at the age of 90.

In response, Atiku, through his media aide Paul Ibe, criticized Tinubu’s administration, stating its performance does not warrant another term. “God forbid,” Atiku remarked, emphasizing that Nigerians will ultimately decide who leads the country in 2027.

Atiku further pointed out the imbalance in power distribution between the North and South, noting that by 2027, the South would have held leadership for 17 years, while the North would have only 11 years.