2027: Cast votes in hope, reject division, Akume tells Nigerians

Senator George Akume 
Secretary to the Government of the Federation 

"Democracy can only be sustained when citizens embraced peace and unity." Akume SGF.

.... Urges Nigerians to ensure that their votes reflected the desire for a united country.

“Our votes must be cast not in division, but in hope. Let us choose dialogue over discord, and unity over separation, so that our electoral process truly reflects the will of a united people.”

.... Says "Nigeria’s 66-year journey had witnessed hard-won milestones, including more than two decades of uninterrupted democratic rule since 1999, stressing the need for citizens to preserve the gains of democracy."

The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, has urged Nigerians to approach the 2027 general elections with hope, peace and unity, warning against actions capable of deepening divisions in the country.

Akume made the call on Sunday in Abuja at the National Church Service organised as part of activities marking Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary, with the theme, “Anchored in Hope: The Path to Divine Stability and Shared Prosperity.”

He said democracy could only be sustained when citizens embraced peace and unity, urging Nigerians to ensure that their votes reflected the desire for a united country.

According to him, “Our votes must be cast not in division, but in hope. Let us choose dialogue over discord, and unity over separation, so that our electoral process truly reflects the will of a united people.”

The SGF said Nigeria’s 66-year journey had witnessed hard-won milestones, including more than two decades of uninterrupted democratic rule since 1999, stressing the need for citizens to preserve the gains of democracy.

He also urged Nigerians to look beyond the challenges of the present and focus on building a prosperous future for generations yet unborn.

Akume said the country must consolidate the gains of ongoing reforms and stability, noting that the ultimate objective should be to deepen growth and extend prosperity to all parts of the country.

“From reforms, we have built stability. From stability, let us deepen growth and opportunity, and from growth, let us extend shared prosperity to every corner of Nigeria,” he said.

The SGF expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for approving the church service as part of the Independence Anniversary celebrations, as well as for what he described as his commitment to national unity and development.

He also acknowledged the support of the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, and appreciated the Guest Preacher, Most Rev. Musa Panti Filibus, for his message on the role of citizens in building a better Nigeria.

Akume further commended the Service Chiefs, Inspector-General of Police and heads of security and paramilitary agencies for their efforts in protecting the country and its citizens.

He prayed for the safety of security personnel and their families, as well as wisdom for the nation’s leaders.

The SGF said the anniversary provided an opportunity for Nigerians to reflect on the country’s journey, recognise the resilience of its people and renew their commitment to building a more prosperous, secure and united nation.

He urged citizens to carry the spirit of hope and unity demonstrated at the service into their homes, workplaces and public life.

“As citizens of one country, we may debate many things, but we must never lose sight of what unites us,” he said.

Akume also prayed for the peace and unity of Nigeria, stressing that the country remained a land of opportunity and plenty that required collective commitment and divine guidance.

He concluded by praying that God would bless Nigeria, strengthen citizens facing difficulties and grant wisdom and discernment to the nation’s leaders.