North-Central APC adopts SGF Akume as leader, targets 6m votes for Tinubu in 2027
The North-Central All Progressives Congress (APC) Forum has officially recognised Senator George Akume, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), as the political leader of the party in the region.
This decision was reached during a stakeholders’ meeting in Abuja on Thursday and was confirmed in a statement issued by the forum’s chairman, Alhaji Saleh Zazzaga.
According to the statement, Akume’s position as SGF makes him the highest-ranking APC member in North-Central Nigeria, making him the natural choice to spearhead the party’s affairs in the zone.
Zazzaga, who served on the APC campaign council during the 2023 elections, expressed the Forum’s satisfaction with Akume’s leadership, stating that he has effectively taken on the responsibility of guiding and uniting the party in the region.
It was noted that in the past, the Forum had encouraged Akume to be more inclusive in his leadership, following concerns that he was primarily working with his Tiv and Benue associates while sidelining other parts of the North-Central.
The statement emphasised that Akume has since acted on this advice, ensuring broader engagement and inclusivity, thereby fulfilling expectations as the party’s regional leader.
The Forum particularly commended his ongoing efforts to unify APC members in the zone and position the party for a strong performance in the 2027 elections.
In its statement, the APC Forum reaffirmed its support for Akume, recognising his leadership in fostering party cohesion and strengthening APC’s presence in the North-Central region.
“As the guiding figure of the party in this zone, Senator Akume has demonstrated remarkable leadership by putting past disputes aside and welcoming all party stakeholders in the spirit of unity,” the statement read.
“We urge those who are yet to align themselves with Senator Akume’s leadership to do so for the sake of building a unified and formidable APC ahead of the 2027 elections.”
The Forum called on all APC structures in the North-Central region to rally behind Akume, including: The North-Central APC Governors’ Forum; The North-Central APC Senate Caucus; The North-Central APC House of Representatives Caucus; The North-Central APC State Chairmen; The Forum of North-Central APC Speakers; The North-Central APC State Assembly Members.
“We acknowledge that these bodies have been working closely with Senator Akume, and we encourage them to continue doing so under his guidance to strategise effectively for a united and stronger APC in 2027,” the statement continued.
The APC Forum reiterated its ambition to dominate the 2027 elections in the North-Central region, aiming to secure all available elective positions.
“Our top priority remains ensuring a landslide victory for President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 election. Previously, the North-Central APC Forum pledged to deliver four million votes for Tinubu’s re-election. Given the progress we are making under Senator Akume’s leadership, we are confident that we can surpass this target and deliver six million votes for the President in 2027,” the statement asserted.
The Forum also encouraged stakeholders to collaborate with Akume to resolve internal disputes within state chapters, as unity will be crucial to the party’s success.
“Conflicts are an inevitable part of politics, but they must never be allowed to undermine the collective good. We call on all members to prioritise party unity over personal ambitions and work together towards achieving harmony in every state chapter of the North-Central APC,” the statement added.
The Forum also extended a direct appeal to Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia, urging him to accept Senator Akume as the APC leader in the region and work alongside him for the party’s greater good.
Tensions between Akume and Alia have led to deep divisions within the Benue APC, with the party becoming factionalised due to struggles over control of its structure in the state.
To address these tensions, the North-Central APC Forum encouraged Governor Alia to put political differences aside and align with Akume for the benefit of the party.
“Like every dedicated stakeholder, we believe Governor Alia also wants the APC to thrive in Benue, the North-Central zone, and Nigeria as a whole. It is time to set aside past disputes, embrace unity, and work together towards strengthening the party,” the statement urged.
The Forum concluded by reinforcing its commitment to ensuring APC’s continued dominance in North-Central Nigeria, asserting that under Senator Akume’s leadership, the party is well-positioned to achieve greater electoral victories and policy successes in the years ahead.
