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, urging members to support President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid.
Akume made the appeal on Friday shortly after arriving at the Makurdi Airport, where he was welcomed by enthusiastic party supporters and stakeholders.
The SGF stressed the importance of reconciliation within the Benue APC following disagreements and controversies that emerged from the party’s recent primaries in the state. He urged dissatisfied aspirants and their loyalists to put aside their grievances and work together for the stability and progress of the party.
Addressing journalists, Akume said the APC in Benue remained fully committed to delivering strong support for President Tinubu during the presidential primary.
“The presidential primary comes up tomorrow and we are here to mobilise support for Mr President. He is doing excellently well and I have assured him repeatedly that Benue remains solidly behind him,” he stated.
He noted that despite criticisms from some quarters, Tinubu’s style of leadership and governance had continued to gain acceptance among Nigerians.
“In every democratic setting, there will always be opposing opinions, but Nigerians can clearly see the efforts and achievements of the President. We are confident our people will massively support him,” Akume added.
The SGF also reacted to reports of irregularities during the APC primaries in Benue, particularly allegations involving the diversion of electoral materials.
While clarifying that he was not physically present during the exercise, Akume disclosed that several complaints had reached him regarding the conduct of the primaries.
“I received numerous reports concerning diversion of materials and other issues, but since I was not on ground during the exercise, I would not want to speak extensively on it,” he said.
He, however, maintained that preserving peace and unity within the APC should remain the party’s major concern.
“We want the APC to remain one united family. Those of us who helped build this party do not want to see divisions or factions within it,” he stated.
Akume further expressed optimism that President Tinubu would secure another term in office in 2027 and encouraged party members to remain peaceful and actively participate in the presidential primary process.