Leadnaija
The North-Central All Progressives Congress (APC) Forum has issued a strong warning to the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), George Akume, urging him to refrain from actions that could push Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State to leave the party.
In a statement released on Sunday following a meeting in Abuja, the forum expressed deep concern over recent media attacks targeting Governor Alia.
These attacks, allegedly orchestrated by anonymous groups, have raised tensions within the party, threatening its unity in Benue State.
Alhaji Saleh Zazzaga, chairman of the forum, signed the statement, which highlighted Akume’s role in the ongoing discord. The forum cautioned that undermining Alia’s position could jeopardize the APC’s political fortunes in Benue State, particularly ahead of the 2027 elections.
“Benue is a critical state for the APC, and we cannot afford to lose it,” the statement read. “If Governor Alia decides to leave the APC for another party, like his predecessor, Samuel Ortom, Akume will bear full responsibility for the fallout.”
The forum called on Akume to prioritize unity and focus on strengthening the party’s presence in the North-Central region rather than engaging in divisive politics.
“The North-Central APC Forum is also warning that should history repeat itself, and Governor Alia defects to another party, like former Governor Samuel Ortom, who was elected on the APC platform but left for the PDP, the SGF, Senator George Akume, should be blamed.
“APC cannot afford to lose Benue State, neither can the party afford to lose Governor Hyacinth Alia who has been performing well in office. The SGF and his attack dogs should not distract the governor from delivering the dividends of democracy to the people of Benue State.”
Reacting in a statement on Sunday, the SGF spokesperson, Terrence Kuanum, dismissed the group’s claims as baseless, stating that it was out to tarnish Akume’s image.
The statement added, “There is no iota of truth in the claim that the SGF is behind media attacks on the Benue Governor, Hyacinth Alia.
“The group led by Alhaji Saleh Zazzaga however exposed its real motive/agenda when it threatened to mobilize against the SGF and demand his removal from office.
“Contrary to the claims by the APC North Central Forum, the SGF has continued to offer leadership and direction in Benue and the North Central Chapter of the party.
“We are, however, shocked at the comments by Zazzaga, same man who had previously expressed the satisfaction of the North Central Forum of the party over what he described as a ‘purposeful take off of duties by the SGF since his assumption of office,’ during the 2023 third quarter meeting of the North Central APC in Jos, where he went further to say the SGF was already showing quality leadership.”Don’t Miss Out! READ FULL ARTICLE
