North-Central APC Forum Urges Tinubu to Monitor SGF Akume Amid Alleged Alliance with Ortom

The North-Central All Progressives Congress (APC) Forum has called on President Bola Tinubu to closely monitor the actions of Senator George Akume, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), over an alleged alliance with opposition politicians, particularly former Benue State Governor Samuel Ortom. The Forum expressed concern that this alliance could destabilize the APC in the North-Central region.

In a statement issued by the Forum’s Chairman, Alhaji Saleh Zazzaga, the group raised alarms over Akume’s reported collaboration with Ortom, who recently left the APC to join the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Akume and Ortom are believed to be working together against the sitting APC governor of Benue, Reverend Hyacinth Alia, creating a rift within the party.

This tension came to light during a thanksgiving event held in Konshisha Local Government Area of Benue State, where Ortom was seen participating in a celebration of Akume’s 50th birthday, raising concerns among APC members. Ortom’s appearance at the event, along with his criticisms of Governor Alia’s administration, reinforced suspicions of an alliance between the two former Benue governors.

The North-Central APC Forum noted that Akume’s alliance with Ortom could lead to significant consequences for the APC, not just in Benue, but across the North-Central zone. The Forum further warned that Akume’s actions may undermine the party’s efforts to address critical issues in Benue, where Ortom’s tenure was marred by accusations of poor governance.

“We urge President Tinubu to take swift action to prevent the destabilization of the APC in the North-Central region. The alliance between Akume and Ortom is not in the interest of the party or its members,” the Forum stated.

The Forum also criticized Akume for allegedly prioritizing personal loyalty and control over the development of Benue and the wider North-Central zone. They stressed that Akume’s actions, particularly his collaboration with a former governor who is now leading the opposition, show a lack of commitment to the APC’s goals in the region.

The North-Central APC Forum expressed deep concern over Akume’s role as the leader of the APC in the zone, suggesting that his alliance with Ortom could alienate party members and hinder the APC’s efforts to hold Benue in the 2027 elections.

“We call on President Tinubu and the national leadership of the APC to take immediate action to address this growing alliance and prevent any further damage to the party in Benue and beyond,” the Forum concluded.