Benue APC Leaders Rally Behind Akume, Snub Gov Alia

As preparations for the 2027 general elections get up steam, Senator George Akume, Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), has voiced optimism that Benue State will regain its political and economic glory.

Akume addressed a group of notable All Progressives Congress (APC) members from the state’s three senatorial districts, including some lawmakers who supported Governor Hyacinth Alia.

The group, led by Emmanuel Jime, a former Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC), endorsed President Bola Tinubu for a second term and vowed allegiance to Akume’s leadership.

In a statement released by the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Akume thanked the stakeholders for their support and encouraged them to continue working together to advance the state.

According to the former governor of Benue State, cooperation among APC members is essential to upholding political stability and achieving the goals and desires of the populace.

Akume gave the group the assurance that his administration will keep working to make the state relevant again while putting the needs of Benue people first.

The party stakeholders, who were urged to back Tinubu’s administration, said that the president’s Renewed Hope Agenda was designed to advance sustainable development and improve Nigerians’ well-being.

Rather of referring to the delegation’s members as “internally displaced politicians,” the SGF characterized them as seasoned and esteemed political stakeholders.

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According to him, their expertise, ability, and intellectual contributions continued to be beneficial to Benue State’s political and economic development.

According to Akume, the Tinubu administration has substantially increased funding allotted to state and local governments.

According to him, the state governments ought to be held responsible for how the extra funding for development is used.

“I am aware that the President has pushed a lot of money to the state and local governments in an unprecedented way,” Akume stated.

All governmental levels have access to the Federation Account. It is not Mr. President’s fault if we are unable to advance our state.

“He is carrying out his duties for the nation and the states, and Benue is no exception.”

Instead of blaming local issues on the federal government, the SGF advised the state’s political leaders to concentrate on providing development.

Akume stated that he has no ill will toward any Benue political figure or stakeholder.

He urged all party members to cooperate in order to secure Tinubu’s victory in the 2027 presidential contest.

Recalling his tenure from 1999 to 2007, the former governor claimed that Benue saw significant infrastructure, growth, and investment during that time.

He claimed that by putting policies in place that enhanced living circumstances and increased possibilities for citizens, his administration laid the groundwork for the state’s socioeconomic development.

A vote of confidence in Akume’s leadership and a unanimous endorsement of Tinubu’s reelection campaign marked the conclusion of the meeting.

Former Benue State House of Assembly Deputy Speaker Dan Ali made the motion, and former Attorney General Joe Abaagu seconded it.

Jime had previously voiced alarm over what he called Benue State’s deteriorating democratic values.

He urged for greater cooperation among political stakeholders to reposition the state, claiming it had been reduced to the domain of established democratic norms.