By Nkechi Eze
Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, has called for unity among members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Benue State ahead of the party’s presidential primary scheduled for Saturday, while also expressing concern over alleged diversion of materials during the party primaries conducted earlier in the week.
According to an official signed statement by the Special Adviser, Media and Publicity to the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Yomi Odunuga, Senator Akume made the remarks on Friday shortly after arriving at the Makurdi Airport, where he was received by a large crowd of party supporters and stakeholders.
The SGF urged party members to place the collective interest of the APC above personal ambitions, stressing that unity and internal cohesion would remain critical to the party’s success in future elections.
He appealed to aggrieved aspirants and their supporters to embrace reconciliation and dialogue, noting that disagreements arising from the primaries should not weaken the party’s structure in the state.
Speaking on the forthcoming presidential primary, Akume expressed confidence in President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s chances, describing the President’s performance and leadership style as commendable.
“The presidential primaries are taking place tomorrow (Saturday). We’re here to mobilise support for our dear president. He’s doing very well. I’ve told him repeatedly, that he has no problem in Benue State. In this country, his performance, his commitment to patriotism, inclusive nature of government all speak in his favour,” he said.
“In the democracy you must always have some opposing voices but the truth is that his work is remarkable. His work has been approved by most Nigerians and we are very sure come tomorrow our people are going to vote massively for Mr President,” he added.
Senator Akume also described reports of diversion of electoral materials during the party primaries as disturbing, warning that such actions could erode confidence in the APC’s internal democratic process.
While noting that he was not physically present during the conduct of the previous primaries, the SGF acknowledged receiving several reports concerning alleged irregularities.
“I was not here during the last election. I received so many reports about diversion of materials among other things, but I wasn’t here so I don’t want to comment so much about that. What I want to say is this, I want the APC to be a united family. This was how we intended it to be. Those of us who were the founding fathers of the party we don’t want factions in our party. We’re very sure that come 2027, Mr President will get back to the Villa,” he stated.
He called on party officials and security agencies to investigate the alleged diversion of materials and ensure that anyone found culpable is held accountable.
The SGF further appealed to APC supporters across the state to remain peaceful and participate actively in the presidential primary election.
