Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, has urged northern politicians to respect Nigeria’s power rotation arrangement and allow the South to complete its eight-year presidential tenure.
Akume said the arrangement was a fundamental understanding that had helped sustain national cohesion, fairness and democratic growth since Nigeria returned to civilian rule in 1999.
He made the call on Wednesday in Abuja while receiving a delegation of the Order of the Knights of St. Mulumba (KSM) Nigeria, led by its Supreme Knight, Sir Steve Adehi.
The SGF’s position was contained in a statement signed by the Head of Information and Public Relations in his office, Chris Ugwuegbulam.
Akume recalls 1999 power-sharing agreement
According to Akume, the power rotation arrangement emerged from discussions held in Kaduna in 1999 between governors-elect on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and prominent political leaders.
He said the agreement was reached after extensive consultations on the need to distribute political power equitably and preserve Nigeria’s unity.
Under the arrangement, presidential power would alternate between the North and South in eight-year cycles, beginning with the South.
Akume explained that the understanding was designed to promote political balance, strengthen mutual trust and prevent any region from feeling permanently excluded from the country’s highest political office.
He added that concerns about the concentration of political power in one part of the country had prompted leaders to adopt the arrangement as a means of encouraging national inclusion.
SGF cautions northern presidential aspirants
The SGF criticised attempts by northern politicians to contest the presidency before the South completes its current eight-year tenure.
He insisted that the existing sequence should be respected and allowed to run its course.
Akume recalled that former President Muhammadu Buhari, who was from the North, served for eight years before the presidency returned to the South.
He argued that the current Southern tenure should therefore be respected in line with the principle of alternating presidential power between the two regions.
Akume maintained that power rotation should not be regarded as a temporary political convenience but as an understanding rooted in fairness, mutual respect and national stability.
Knights of St. Mulumba highlight humanitarian projects
During the meeting, Akume commended the Knights of St. Mulumba for their charitable interventions aimed at improving the welfare of vulnerable Nigerians.
Earlier, Adehi said the organisation had supported medical treatment for patients, helped inmates settle outstanding financial obligations to facilitate their release from correctional facilities, provided boreholes, renovated schools and supported hospitals.
He said the interventions reflected the understanding that government alone could not address the country’s numerous social and economic challenges.
Adehi stressed the importance of private philanthropy, partnerships and community-based initiatives in complementing government efforts.
Akume calls for cooperation across government levels
The SGF also said the government’s development agenda should be assessed against both immediate economic pressures and the country’s long-term growth needs.
He called for a broader understanding of ongoing reforms and investments, adding that sustained cooperation among the Federal, State and Local Governments was necessary to improve citizens’ welfare.
Akume reiterated that the power rotation principle remained important to promoting fairness, inclusion and stability in Nigeria’s democratic system.
