There Is a Big Vacancy in Aso Rock for 2027 – Galadima Counters SGF Akume

The political landscape ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 presidential election continues to heat up as Alhaji Abubakar Galadima, a leader in the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), dismissed recent comments by Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume. Akume had declared there would be no vacancy in Aso Rock in 2027, arguing that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu should complete two terms in office. Galadima, speaking during an Arise Newsnight interview, criticized Akume’s stance, describing it as an effort to safeguard his political interests.

According to Galadima, history and constitutional provisions clearly contradict Akume’s assertion. He pointed out that every previous occupant of the presidential seat, from military leaders like Generals Ibrahim Babangida and Sani Abacha to elected officials such as Olusegun Obasanjo and Muhammadu Buhari, eventually left office. “If all the 10 former presidents and heads of state are no longer in Aso Rock, President Bola Tinubu will also leave one day,” he remarked. He suggested Akume’s comments were driven by a desire to protect his political “garri” (a metaphor for livelihood).

Galadima also questioned the perceived regional fairness in Nigeria’s political arrangements. Responding to arguments about a gentleman’s agreement for power rotation, he highlighted the imbalance between the time the South and North have ruled since 1999, noting that the South has had 18.5 years in power compared to the North’s 9.5 years. He argued that Nigerians are more concerned about performance than zoning, stating, “What matters is who delivers on the promises made to Nigerians.”

He further stressed that the constitution allows for competition in 2027, rejecting any notion of automatic succession. “There is a big vacancy in Aso Rock in 2027. No one will occupy that seat without an election. Akume’s claim is laughable,” Galadima said, accusing the current administration of attempting to compromise political parties by offering huge sums to align with its agenda.

Galadima also criticized the APC’s efforts to weaken opposition parties, citing the decimation of the PDP, Labour Party, and APGA, though he claimed the NNPP remains resilient. He praised the leadership of Alhaji Rabiu Kwankwaso, referring to him as a “nightmare” for the ruling party and hinting at Kwankwaso’s potential 2027 candidacy, asserting, “If he feels strong enough and has the support, he will contest.”

On Tinubu’s tax reforms, Galadima labeled them “anti-people,” arguing that increased VAT disproportionately burdens ordinary Nigerians. “When you raise VAT, it’s the poor who suffer, not the business community, as they simply pass costs onto consumers,” he explained. He criticized Nigerians who support policies out of partisan loyalty rather than principle, stating, “We must speak for the good of everyone, not based on opposition or support for certain individuals.”

Galadima expressed hope for a democratic transition akin to Ghana’s peaceful opposition victory, urging all Nigerians to work collectively to ensure democracy delivers results. He reaffirmed his commitment to justice and accountability, asserting that no amount of intimidation could prevent an alternative presidential candidate in 2027.

The NNPP leader concluded by highlighting the broader responsibility of citizens and politicians to prioritize national unity over ethnic, regional, or religious divisions, saying, “We must continue to fight for the ordinary people and for Nigeria, even if it takes a lifetime.”