Atiku power rotation agreement was backed by northern leaders after the June 12 annulment, according to SGF George Akume

Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, has said former Vice President Atiku Abubakar was among northern political leaders who supported the adoption of rotational presidency following the annulment of the June 12, 1993 presidential election.

Also read: Babachir Lawal Says Tinubu Better Than Atiku Presidency

Akume made the remarks on Tuesday while responding to questions at a World Press Conference in Abuja organised 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 controversial annulment of the election won by the late Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola compelled political leaders to take difficult decisions aimed at preserving national unity and strengthening democratic governance.

Akume recalled that leaders of the then-ruling Peoples Democratic Party met in Kaduna under the leadership of the late Solomon Lar and Adamu Ciroma to discuss the country’s political future.

He said one of the key issues deliberated upon was the adoption of a power-sharing arrangement between the North and South.

“It was a tough argument before the issue of rotational presidency was agreed on. At the end, we had to concede. We must do this,” Akume said.

“June 12 annulment had complicated the whole thing. It was finally agreed that we’ll be alternating between North and South. Atiku was one of the leaders at that meeting, which was convened by Chief Solomon Lar. He was part of that agreement.”

The SGF explained that the decision was intended to address the political consequences of the June 12 crisis while promoting inclusiveness, fairness and national cohesion within Nigeria’s diverse political landscape.

Akume’s comments come amid renewed political debate 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 incumbent President Bola Tinubu, who is seeking a second term in office.

Tinubu, a southerner, assumed office in 2023 following the completion of the constitutionally permitted two-term tenure of the late Muhammadu Buhari, a northerner.

Reflecting on the significance of June 12, Akume described the annulment of Abiola’s victory as a painful chapter in Nigeria’s democratic history.

“Abiola won that election round and square. That election was annulled by the military government. It was very painful because the people spoke, and they spoke freely. They made their own choice,” he said.

The SGF said one of the enduring lessons from the June 12 experience is the supremacy of the electorate in a democratic system.

“The first lesson is that the voice of the people must always be supreme; it must be sacrosanct. That’s the beauty of democracy. We prefer the ballot to bullets,” he stated.

Akume also expressed confidence in Nigeria’s democratic institutions, particularly the Independent National Electoral Commission, saying the country had learned important lessons from the events of 1993.

He argued that Nigeria would never again witness the annulment of a freely conducted presidential election.

“Fortunately for us, those at INEC are men of honour and integrity. They are well-read, patriotic Nigerians, and they are determined to make a difference. Never again would such happen in this country,” he said.

The SGF urged political actors to accept electoral outcomes and strengthen democratic norms, noting that democracy thrives when participants respect the will of voters.

He further described Nigeria’s 27 years of uninterrupted democratic rule as evidence of the country’s commitment to freedom, the rule of law and peaceful political participation.

Akume also highlighted freedom of expression as one of democracy’s defining benefits, saying citizens are free to criticise public officials without fear of repression.

Also read: Atiku Abubakar Compares Arsenal Triumph to Nigeria’s Economic Vision

He called on political leaders and citizens alike to continue nurturing democratic values as the country prepares for another electoral cycle in 2027.