Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, has called for unity among members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Benue State ahead of the party’s presidential primary scheduled for Saturday.
Akume made the appeal on Friday while addressing journalists shortly after arriving at the Makurdi Airport, where he was received by a large crowd of supporters and party members.
The SGF stressed the need for party stakeholders to prioritise the collective interest of the APC above personal ambitions, noting that unity and reconciliation were essential for the party’s success in future elections.
He urged aggrieved aspirants and their supporters to embrace dialogue and avoid actions capable of weakening the party’s structure in the state.
Speaking on the forthcoming presidential primary, Akume expressed confidence in President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s chances, describing his performance in office as remarkable and widely accepted by Nigerians.
“The presidential primaries are taking place tomorrow. We’re here to mobilise support for our dear president. He’s doing very well. His performance, commitment to patriotism and inclusive governance all speak in his favour,” he said.
Akume also decried alleged reports of diversion of materials during the APC primaries earlier conducted in Benue State, describing the development as disturbing and capable of undermining confidence in the party’s internal democratic process.
Although he noted that he was not physically present during the exercise, the SGF said he had received several reports concerning the alleged diversion of materials and other irregularities.
He called on party officials and security agencies to investigate the allegations and ensure that anyone found culpable is held accountable.
Akume further reiterated the commitment of the founding members of the APC to maintaining unity within the party, warning against factionalisation.
“We want the APC to remain a united family. Those of us who founded the party do not want factions within it,” he stated.
The SGF also appealed to supporters to remain peaceful and participate actively in the party’s presidential primary election.
