Secretary to the government of the federation Akume is trying to kidnap aspirations of northern leaders in 2027—Atiku

Paul Ibe, the media adviser to former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, has described George Akume, secretary to the government of the federation (SGF), as “irresponsible” for asking northerners with presidential ambition to wait till 2031.

On Sunday, Akume said northerners eyeing the presidency in 2027 should allow President Bola Tinubu to complete a potential second term.

He also asked Atiku to keep his ambition for the presidency until 2031.

Reacting to the comment, Ibe said Akume attempted to “kidnap the aspiration of Atiku Abubakar and any other northerners” with the statement.

The Atiku aide spoke with Seun Okinbaloye on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Monday.

Ibe added that Akume is “unqualified” to make such a proclamation.

“It appears that Akume’s job in that interview was very clear: kidnap the aspiration of Atiku Abubakar and any other northerners. That was irresponsible of him to say the thing he said,” Ibe said.

“He is not qualified to do that. The country is at a crossroads. Look at the indices: the inflation, the cost of doing business, and the lives of average citizens. Must we be playing politics with our well-being?”