RismadarVoice Reporters
October 21, 2026
The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, has urged politicians from Northern Nigeria to respect the North–South power rotation arrangement and allow the South to complete an eight-year presidential cycle.
Akume appealed 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.
In a statement issued by the Head of Information and Public Relations in the Office of the SGF, Chris Ugwuegbulam, Akume described power rotation as an important political understanding intended to promote fairness, national unity and democratic stability.
He recalled that the arrangement emerged from consultations involving governors-elect of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and other political leaders in Kaduna in 1999.
According to him, the understanding provided for presidential power to alternate between the North and South in eight-year cycles, beginning with the South.
The SGF explained that the arrangement was designed to promote political inclusion and prevent any region from feeling permanently excluded from the country’s highest political office.
Akume expressed concern over the presidential ambitions of some northern politicians ahead of the 2027 general elections, maintaining that the South should be allowed to complete the cycle following former President Muhammadu Buhari’s eight years in office.
He argued that respecting the arrangement would strengthen mutual trust and help manage Nigeria’s regional and political differences.
The former Benue State governor maintained that power rotation should not be treated merely as a temporary political convenience but as a principle of fairness and national stability.
However, Nigeria’s Constitution does not require the presidency to alternate between the North and South. Power rotation remains a political arrangement adopted or advocated by parties and political stakeholders rather than a constitutional restriction on eligible presidential candidates.
During the visit, Akume also commended the Knights of St. Mulumba for their humanitarian activities and contributions to community development.
Earlier, Adehi highlighted the organisation’s interventions, including assistance with medical bills, support for inmates seeking release after settling financial obligations, provision of boreholes, renovation of schools and assistance to hospitals.
He explained that the initiatives were intended to complement government efforts in addressing social and economic challenges affecting vulnerable Nigerians.
Akume acknowledged the role of charitable organisations in national development and called for stronger cooperation among the federal, state and local governments.
He maintained that sustainable development required collective responsibility, effective partnerships and policies capable of addressing both immediate economic difficulties and long-term national needs.
