The North-Central All Progressives Congress (APC) Forum has issued a strong reprimand to Senator George Akume, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), urging him to cease his attacks on Rev. Hyacinth Alia, the Governor of Benue State.
In a statement released following a meeting in Abuja, the Forum accused Akume of orchestrating media attacks on Alia through proxies and anonymous groups.
Signed by its Chairman, Alhaji Saleh Zazzaga, the North-Central APC Forum cautioned that Akume’s efforts to undermine Alia could jeopardize the party’s prospects in Benue for the upcoming 2027 elections. The Forum emphasized that the APC cannot afford to lose the state, warning that if Alia were to leave the party, as his predecessor Samuel Ortom did, Akume would bear responsibility for the fallout.
The Forum’s statement reflected concerns raised by its members, who are committed stakeholders within the APC and the region. They asserted that Akume’s actions have sown discord within the North-Central APC.
The Forum also commended Alia’s performance as governor, stressing that he should be allowed to focus on delivering democratic benefits to the people of Benue without distractions.
“The North-Central APC Forum has been alarmed by the relentless attacks on Governor Hyacinth Alia by Senator George Akume,” the statement read. “These media assaults, executed through anonymous groups, are aimed at destabilizing the governor’s ability to govern effectively.”
The Forum warned Akume that his actions could destabilize the APC not only in Benue but throughout the North-Central region. They expressed concern that if the situation escalates, it could negatively affect the party’s electoral prospects in 2027, holding Akume accountable for any potential losses.
The Forum also reiterated that if history were to repeat itself and Governor Alia were to defect to another party—similar to former Governor Ortom’s departure from the APC to the People’s Democratic Party (PDP)—the blame would rest squarely on Akume.
“APC cannot afford to lose Benue State or Governor Alia, who has been performing admirably in office,” they emphasized, urging Akume and his allies to refrain from distracting the governor.
The statement also addressed a recent incident where Governor Alia was reportedly attacked by thugs linked to Akume during the burial of elder statesman Wantaregh Paul Unongo, calling on President Bola Tinubu to intervene.
The North-Central APC Forum echoed the sentiments of the Secretary of the Benue APC Youth Wing, Apostle Thomas Ikyange, who suggested that Akume should resign from his post and focus on local politics in Benue.
The Forum expressed disappointment that Akume has failed to heed calls for equitable appointments and leadership that encompasses the entire North-Central region rather than favoring only his Tiv constituents.
“It is disheartening that Senator George Akume has ignored the advice of stakeholders to avoid biased appointments and to unify the North-Central,” they stated. “If he devoted his attention to his duties as SGF, he would not have the capacity to engage in disputes with Governor Alia.”
The Forum concluded by stating that Akume’s fixation on Alia has hindered the effective functioning of the SGF’s office. They urged President Bola Tinubu to consider replacing Akume if he is unwilling to focus on his responsibilities, emphasizing the need for all appointees, especially the SGF, to be fully committed to addressing the country’s challenges.
