Benue APC Leaders Shift Allegiance From Governor Alia to SGF George Akume
The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, expressed confidence that Benue State will reclaim its economic and political stature as preparations for the 2027 general elections intensify.
Akume made these remarks while receiving a delegation of prominent All Progressives Congress members from the state’s three senatorial districts, including several politicians who had previously aligned with Governor Hyacinth Alia.
The group, led by former Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council Emmanuel Jime, pledged loyalty to Akume’s leadership and endorsed President Bola Tinubu for a second term in office.
In a statement issued by the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Akume thanked the stakeholders for their support and urged them to remain united in pursuing the state’s development.
The former Benue governor stressed that cooperation among APC members is essential to sustain political stability and fulfil the aspirations of the people.
Akume assured the delegation that his leadership would continue to prioritise the interests of Benue residents while working to restore the state’s relevance on the national stage.
He called on party stakeholders to back Tinubu’s administration, noting that the President’s Renewed Hope Agenda aims to promote sustainable development and improve the welfare of Nigerians.
The SGF described the delegates as experienced and respected political stakeholders, not “internally displaced politicians,” and emphasized that their expertise, capacity, and intellectual contributions remain valuable to Benue’s political and economic progress.
Akume highlighted that the Tinubu administration has significantly increased financial allocations to states and local governments, adding that state governments must be held accountable for how these funds are applied to development projects.
“I know that the President, in an unprecedented manner, has directed a large amount of money to the states and local governments,” Akume said. “All tiers of government have access to the Federation Account. If we cannot develop our state, it is not the fault of Mr President. He is doing what he is supposed to do for the country and for the states, and Benue is no exception.”
He urged political leaders in Benue to focus on delivering development rather than blaming the Federal Government for local challenges, adding that he harbours no resentment against any political leader or stakeholder in the state.
Akume extended an olive branch to all party members, urging collective effort to secure Tinubu’s victory in the 2027 presidential election.
Recalling his tenure as governor from 1999 to 2007, the former Benue leader claimed that his administration attracted substantial investment, infrastructure, and development projects, laying the foundation for the state’s socio‑economic growth.
The meeting concluded with a unanimous endorsement of Tinubu’s second‑term bid and a vote of confidence in Akume’s leadership. The motion was moved by former Deputy Speaker of the Benue State House of Assembly Dan Ali and seconded by former Attorney‑General Joe Abaagu.
Earlier, Emmanuel Jime voiced concern over what he described as the deterioration of democratic values in Benue State, alleging that established democratic principles had been sidelined and calling for stronger cooperation among political stakeholders to reposition the state.
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