The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, has stated that former Vice President Atiku Abubakar was among the political leaders who supported the adoption of rotational presidency in Nigeria following the annulment of the June 12, 1993 presidential election.
Akume made the remark on Tuesday during a World Press Conference in Abuja held as part of activities marking Nigeria’s 27th Democracy Day anniversary. According to a statement issued by his media aide, Yomi Odunuga, the SGF said the decision was taken to preserve national unity and strengthen democratic governance after the controversial annulment of the election won by the late Chief MKO Abiola.
He recalled that leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party gathered in Kaduna under the leadership of the late Chief Solomon Lar and Alhaji Adamu Ciroma to discuss the nation’s political future, with power rotation emerging as a key issue.
According to Akume, the discussions were intense before participants eventually agreed that presidential power should alternate between the North and the South.
He said Atiku was among the leaders present at the meeting convened by Lar and was part of the agreement that led to the adoption of rotational presidency.
The SGF explained that the arrangement was designed to address the political tensions created by the annulled election and promote inclusiveness, fairness, and national cohesion.
Akume’s comments come amid renewed political debates over power rotation ahead of the 2027 general election.
Atiku, the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress for the 2027 election, is expected to challenge President Bola Tinubu, who is seeking a second term. Tinubu, a southerner, assumed office in 2023 after the completion of the two-term tenure of former President Muhammadu Buhari from the North.
The former vice president has faced criticism from some political opponents and members of the Presidency for contesting the presidency during a period when many believe power should remain in the South.
Reflecting on the significance of June 12, Akume described the annulment of the election as a painful episode in Nigeria’s democratic history.
He maintained that Abiola won the election convincingly and said the military government’s decision to annul the results undermined the freely expressed will of the Nigerian people.
According to him, one of the most important lessons from the June 12 experience is the need to respect the wishes of the electorate in a democratic system.
Akume stressed that the voice of the people must remain supreme and that democracy offers a peaceful alternative to political conflict.
He also expressed confidence in Nigeria’s democratic institutions, particularly the Independent National Electoral Commission, noting that the country had learned valuable lessons from the events of 1993 and would not permit a repeat of such an annulment.
The SGF praised INEC officials for their commitment to protecting the integrity of the electoral process, describing them as patriotic and principled individuals determined to uphold democratic values.
He urged politicians to accept electoral outcomes in good faith, prepare for future contests when defeated, and continue to strengthen Nigeria’s democratic culture.
Akume further noted that Nigeria’s 27 years of uninterrupted democratic rule demonstrate the nation’s commitment to democratic governance, the rule of law, and peaceful political participation.
He added that democracy has expanded freedoms, particularly freedom of expression, allowing citizens to freely express their opinions without fear of repression.
The SGF concluded by calling on political actors to remain committed to democratic principles and work collectively to deepen Nigeria’s democratic institutions.
