The All Progressives Congress (APC) North-Central Forum has raised alarm over a rumored alliance between the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, and the former Governor of Benue State, Samuel Ortom, aimed at unseating current Governor Hyacinth Alia.
This controversial partnership, according to the forum, threatens to destabilize the APC in the North-Central region.
Forum Expresses Concern Over the Growing Alliance
In a statement issued on January 7, 2025, the APC North-Central Forum, led by Alhaji Saleh Zazzaga, voiced its deep concern over the reported collaboration between Akume, a key figure in the APC, and Ortom, a former member of the party who defected to the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
The forum expressed alarm that Akume, who should be leading the party in the region, appears to be forming an alliance with a prominent opposition figure, raising doubts about his commitment to the APC’s goals.
Call for President Tinubu’s Close Monitoring of SGF
Zazzaga, who was part of the APC Presidential Campaign Council in the 2023 elections, urged President Bola Tinubu to closely monitor the actions of Senator Akume.
He warned that the alleged plot against Governor Alia could severely undermine the APC’s efforts to maintain a unified front in the North-Central zone.
The forum pointed out that the recent public display of unity between Akume and Ortom during a thanksgiving ceremony in Konshisha Local Government Area of Benue State is a clear indication of their intent to challenge Alia’s leadership, possibly leading to a power struggle in the 2027 elections.
The forum went further to express its dismay at Akume’s actions, stating that his alliance with Ortom demonstrated a lack of loyalty to the APC and a self-serving desire for control over Benue State’s resources.
The APC forum strongly condemned the collaboration, stating that it was not in the interest of Benue State’s development but rather a power struggle led by Akume, who is more interested in consolidating his own influence.
The forum highlighted Akume’s questionable decision to align with Ortom, who during his time as governor, had publicly declared that he had “retired” the SGF from politics.
The forum emphasized that Ortom’s tenure in office left Benue State lagging in terms of both human development and infrastructure, making Akume’s collaboration with him all the more alarming.
The alliance between Akume and Ortom, the forum argued, is a dangerous move that threatens the stability and unity of the APC government in Benue State.
It is crucial for the party to uphold its principles and prevent such actions that could derail the progress the state is making under Governor Alia.
In conclusion, the forum called for decisive action from President Tinubu to prevent further discord within the APC and to ensure that those entrusted with leadership positions work in the best interest of the party and the people of Benue State.
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