The North-Central All Progressives Congress (APC) Forum has officially adopted the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, as the leader of the party in the region.
The decision was reached at a stakeholders’ meeting held in Abuja on Thursday. In a statement issued after the meeting, the Forum’s Chairman, Alhaji Saleh Zazzaga, emphasized that Akume, as the highest-ranking APC member in the North-Central, is best suited to provide leadership for the party in the zone.
Zazzaga, who was a member of the APC campaign council during the 2023 elections, noted that the Forum is satisfied with Akume’s leadership style, particularly his efforts in unifying the party ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The statement highlighted that despite earlier concerns that Akume was only working with his Tiv and Benue kinsmen, he has since heeded calls to be more inclusive in his leadership approach. The Forum praised him for bringing all sections of the North-Central into the APC’s fold and fostering unity.
“The North-Central APC Forum has adopted Senator George Akume as the leader of the zone,” the statement read. “We appreciate the efforts being championed by Senator Akume to unite the party and strengthen it for greater success in 2027.”
The Forum urged all party members in the region, including governors, lawmakers, and party executives, to rally behind Akume’s leadership to ensure a strong electoral showing.
“As the father of the party in the zone, Senator Akume has shown that he has a large heart by overlooking past disagreements and embracing all stakeholders in the overall interest of the APC,” the statement added.
The Forum stressed the importance of party unity, particularly as the APC strategizes for the next general elections. It specifically called on all North-Central APC units—including the Governors Forum, Senate Caucus, House of Representatives Caucus, state chairmen, Speakers Forum, and state assembly members—to align with Akume’s leadership.
“We understand that these units have been working seamlessly with Senator George Akume, and we encourage them to continue strategizing under his guidance to ensure that the APC presents a united front in 2027,” the statement read.
The Forum also reaffirmed its commitment to securing victory for President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid, promising to increase voter support from the zone.
“Earlier, the North-Central APC Forum pledged to deliver four million votes for President Tinubu in 2027. With all stakeholders working together under Senator Akume’s leadership, we believe the North-Central can produce six million votes for Mr. President in the next election,” it stated.
Acknowledging ongoing disputes within state chapters of the APC, the Forum urged all members to set aside personal differences and work toward reconciliation.
“It is important for stakeholders to rally around Senator Akume and work together to resolve all outstanding issues within the state chapters of the APC in the North-Central,” the statement urged. “While conflicts are sometimes inevitable in politics, they must not be allowed to override the collective interests of the party.”
In a direct message to Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia, the Forum urged him to recognize Akume’s leadership and end their long-standing political rivalry over the control of the APC structure in the state.
Alia and Akume have been at odds over the party’s leadership in Benue, leading to a factional split within the state chapter. The Forum called on Alia to accept Akume’s leadership and work with him for the party’s collective progress.
“We urge Governor Hyacinth Alia to embrace Senator George Akume as the APC leader in the North-Central and collaborate with him for the party’s success,” the statement read. “Like Senator Akume, Governor Alia also wants the APC to thrive in Benue and beyond. We advise that all disputes should be set aside for the sake of harmony and progress.”
The Forum concluded by emphasizing that unity among APC members in the North-Central is essential for the party’s strength in the region and its overall electoral success in 2027.
