In a recent interview on Politics Today with Seun Okinbaloye, Atiku Abubakar’s media adviser, Paul Ibe, openly expressed concerns over the current political structure in Nigeria, particularly regarding the rotation of power and the role of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), George Akume.
Paul Ibe emphasized that Nigeria’s political growth depends on a balanced and fair transition of leadership, pointing out that it is not ideal for power to move from former President Muhammadu Buhari, a Northerner, to Bola Ahmed Tinubu, another leader who, according to him, does not reflect a shift of power in the desired direction. While Tinubu hails from the South-West, Ibe’s argument stems from the need for a broader inclusivity and fairness across regions.
At the core of his concerns is the idea that, after Buhari’s eight-year tenure, the natural political progression within the All Progressives Congress (APC) should have been for a Southern leader to take charge. According to Ibe, the APC failed to adequately address this critical need for regional balance, leading to political discontent, especially among Northern leaders.
Ibe also directed sharp criticism at George Akume, accusing the SGF of undermining Northern political ambitions. In his words: “The SGF has proven to be unreliable for undermining the ambition of the Northerners on national TV.” Such strong remarks signal growing dissatisfaction within certain factions of the political elite who believe their aspirations are being overshadowed or stifled.
The media adviser’s comments reflect a broader debate in Nigeria’s political landscape—a debate centered on equity, representation, and inclusivity. Nigeria, a country known for its regional and ethnic diversity, has long struggled to strike the right balance in leadership representation. The concept of power rotation between the North and South is viewed by many as a necessary framework to foster unity and stability.
However, Ibe’s criticism highlights growing frustrations, particularly within the Northern political class, who feel sidelined by recent political decisions. For some, this debate raises deeper questions about whether power rotation is being handled transparently and fairly.