Professor Okey Ikechukwu, an expert in strategic management and human capital development, has strongly criticized George Akume, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), for his recent remarks regarding the 2027 presidential election.
Ikechukwu, speaking during an interview with Arise News, described Akume’s comments as unnecessary and distracting, particularly given the timing and context in which they were made.
Akume had appeared on a TVC program on Sunday, where he suggested that political figures like Atiku Abubakar and other northern heavyweights should reconsider their aspirations for the 2027 presidency. He advised them to wait until 2031, when President Bola Tinubu would have completed his second term, before seeking the nation’s highest office.
In response to these comments, Professor Ikechukwu urged Akume to focus on the more immediate political realities rather than indulging in discussions about regional entitlements and future projections. He argued that Akume’s statement was not only unnecessary but also counterproductive, as it seemed to be fostering unwarranted tensions within the political landscape.
“The statement by the SGF was totally unnecessary,” Ikechukwu remarked. “It created a distraction and is directing attention to fights that don’t really exist, which ultimately does not serve his party well. But of course, anyone is free to voice their opinion,” he added, emphasizing that while political figures have the right to speak, such comments should contribute meaningfully to the national discourse rather than divert attention to non-issues.
Ikechukwu also addressed the historical context of Nigerian leadership, noting that Akume’s statement was rooted in the notion of regional entitlement, which often plays a role in the country’s political calculations. From a historical perspective, Ikechukwu argued that the North has held the presidency for a longer period than any other region, and that any argument based on the length of time a region has been in power should be weighed carefully.
“If you want to talk about the leadership of Nigeria and use the presidency as a measure of political power, you have to acknowledge that the North has held the position of president or head of state for a much longer time than any other region,” Ikechukwu stated. This, he noted, was an important factor to consider when discussing future political leadership, especially in the context of regional claims to the presidency.
In essence, Ikechukwu’s comments reflect his belief that Nigeria’s political dynamics should be focused on practical realities and the needs of the moment, rather than being clouded by speculative discussions or claims of regional entitlement. He underscored the importance of addressing the nation’s leadership challenges based on merit, experience, and the evolving political landscape rather than historical patterns that may no longer be relevant.
