The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, has declared that any Northerner seeking to challenge President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election would be acting against the interests of the region.

Akume maintained that Tinubu remains the best candidate to lead Nigeria beyond 2027, urging Northern political leaders to support the President’s re-election bid and wait until 2031 to seek the presidency.

The SGF made the declaration while addressing Benue State indigenes residing in Kaduna, where he called on Northerners to unite behind Tinubu and resist political manoeuvres capable of weakening the region’s influence.

He warned that personal political ambitions should not be allowed to override the collective interests of the North, stressing that the region stood to benefit more from supporting Tinubu’s second-term bid than from engaging in divisive political contests.

According to Akume, Northern leaders must look beyond individual aspirations and consider the broader implications of their political decisions for national unity and the region’s long-term interests.

The former Benue State governor also cautioned against attempts to divide Northerners along political, religious and personal lines, urging stakeholders to prioritise unity and cooperation.

He recalled past political disagreements among Nigerian leaders, warning that the region must avoid repeating mistakes that could diminish its influence in national politics.

Akume stressed that the North’s continued political relevance depended on its ability to pursue common objectives and maintain a united front amid evolving political developments.

He urged Northerners to carefully assess the unfolding political situation and avoid being swayed by politicians whose ambitions might conflict with the region’s broader interests.

Beyond regional politics, the SGF emphasised the importance of national unity and peaceful coexistence among Nigeria’s diverse ethnic and religious groups.

Other speakers at the meeting also highlighted the need for political participation, unity and collective engagement to advance the interests of Benue indigenes and strengthen their relationship with the government.