The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, and governors of the North Central states on Friday demonstrated strong political solidarity as the Forum of Senior Special Assistants (SSAs) to Governors of the North Central States inaugurated its National Executive Members and declared support for the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2027.
The inauguration ceremony, which attracted wide participation from Benue, Nasarawa, Kwara, Kogi, Niger and Plateau states, was marked by the presence and representation of top federal and state officials, underscoring growing alignment within the region ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The SGF, Senator Akume, was represented at the event by Dr. Francis Tyokase, while the Governor of Benue State, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, was represented by the Director General, Plenipotentiary and Liaison Affairs, Dr. Jimmy Ajim. The Governor of Nasarawa State, Engr. Abdullahi Sule, was also represented by his Special Adviser, Alhaji Safiyanu Doma. Their participation was widely interpreted as a show of confidence in the SSAs’ forum as a strategic political and governance structure in the region.
In his keynote address, the Chairman of the Forum described the inauguration as “a declaration of unity, purpose and readiness,” noting that the solidarity shown by the SGF and the North Central governors reinforced the forum’s resolve to strengthen governance and deepen grassroots engagement across the region.
He said Senior Special Assistants occupy a critical position in governance as the link between policy formulation and grassroots implementation, stressing that their collective responsibility is to translate government vision into tangible benefits for citizens.
Focusing on the 2027 elections, the Chairman said the North Central must remain united and politically organised to support the re-election of President Tinubu, arguing that continuity is essential for the full realisation of the administration’s ongoing reforms.
According to him, the region is already witnessing the benefits of the Tinubu administration through major federal interventions, including road and infrastructure projects across Benue, Kwara, Niger, Nasarawa, Kogi and Plateau states, as well as renewed attention to security challenges.
He also commended the governors of the North Central states for aligning with the President’s Renewed Hope agenda and delivering visible development projects, while appealing for stronger institutional support for the SSAs’ forum, particularly in the areas of mobility and office accommodation at state and local government levels.
Patron Reaffirms Commitment
Speaking at the event, the Patron of the forum and Deputy Majority Leader of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Abdullahi Ibrahim Halims, pledged his full support for the SSAs, describing the forum as a vital political structure for grassroots mobilisation.
Rt. Hon. Halims highlighted what he called the significant achievements of President Tinubu, citing economic reforms, intensified efforts to combat insecurity, expanded social welfare programmes and improved Nigeria’s international standing.
In his closing remarks, the Chairman paid tribute to Rt. Hon. Halims, describing him as a committed democrat and a major pillar of the forum, and thanked him for his consistent support.
The event also drew other political stakeholders and support groups from the North Central geopolitical zone, including representatives of the Akume 4 Tinubu Support Group 2027 and Progressives Legislative Aides Nigeria (PLAN).
The forum expressed confidence that, with the visible backing of the SGF and the North Central governors, the region would play a decisive role in the 2027 general elections.
